By Rita Howell

A more stringent proof-of-residency policy is in effect in the South Panola School District, and school officials are reminding parents that their children will not be placed in classes unless current verification is on file. All students must submit new residency proofs. School starts August 5.

In the past years parents were asked to fill out residency declaration forms during the first week of school, but the new requirements mean students will not be assigned to a class to begin school if new forms are not already on file.

“Proof of residency is a district policy for all students, even if your student attended a South Panola school last year,” Batesville Middle School lead teacher Camille Breckenridge explained.

At South Panola High School, parents have until July 25 to present two proofs of residency in the form of utility bills or other documentation that proves they live in the South Panola School District. 

Students who have met the residency requirement may pick up schedules July 28-30 (tenth graders on July 28, eleventh graders July 29 and twelfth graders July 30.) Freshmen are to attend “Freshman Academy” July 28-29 and will receive their schedules then. 

Students who do not have new residency forms on file will not receive schedules, a school staff member said.

At Pope School registration is taking place this week through 3 p.m. today, with parents submitting two current residency documents in order to enroll all students at the school. If they miss registering this week, they can come to the school office any day next week. The school plans an open house July 31. Those who have completed the registration process will be able to meet their teachers at that time.

Updated residency information should be submitted now in the school offices of Batesville Elementary, Batesville Intermediate, Batesville Middle and Batesville Junior High so that students can have their class assignments on the first day of school.

Acceptable forms of residency verification include: filed homestead exemption form, mortgage documents or property deed, apartment or home lease, utility bill, or automobile registration. The documents must verify a street address, not a post office box.