Grove Public Schools

"Home of the Ridgerunners"

PO Box 450789

Grove OK 74345-0789

Doug Brown, Superintendent

Dear Ridgerunner Families,

As we look forward to an incredible 2026-2027 school year, we want to thank you for your continued partnership. To ensure a smooth enrollment process, our district requires all families, including returning students, to provide updated Proof of Residency each year.

We know you are busy, so we want to share exactly why this step is so important for our schools, our budget, and your children.

1. It Protects Classroom Space for Local Families

Under Oklahoma's open transfer laws, families can apply to transfer to districts outside their home boundaries. However, state law requires us to set strict classroom capacity limits for every grade. Local neighborhood residents always have first priority for these seats. By verifying your address, we ensure that local students are guaranteed their spot before any outside transfer applications can be approved.

2. It Secures Essential Funding for Every Child

School funding is tied directly to where a student legally lives. When you submit your proof of residency, it allows us to report accurate data to the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) through the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System (OCAS). This ensures our district receives every single dollar of state aid we are entitled to. This is especially critical for our Special Education (SPED) services. By law, if a transfer student requires special education services, the resident and receiving districts must closely coordinate funding and Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning. Accurate residency data ensures our special education programs are fully funded and compliant.

3. It Is the Law

Annual residency verification isn't just a local school board rule, it is required by state legal and financial frameworks:

· Oklahoma Statute (70 O.S. § 1-113): Defines exactly what constitutes a child's legal residence for school attendance.

· Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC 210:10-1-17): Mandates that local school districts actively verify residency or legal transfer status for every student.

· OCAS Financial Guidelines: Requires precise residency data to create a clean state audit trail and prevent funding penalties.

How You Can Help

Please take a moment to email one original document (a utility bill, signed lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your student's name, grade, and school site to Teresa Rockers at trockers@ridgerunners.net.

Thank you for helping us keep our records accurate, our funding secure, and our classrooms ready for success!

Warmly,

Doug Brown, Superintendent

Grove Public Schools

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