By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

FAIRFIELD - Sarah Godsey can finally relax.

The 15-year-old sophomore knows she will attend Fairfield Senior High School at least through the first semester - even longer, if her parents are able to find a new home within district boundaries.

Sarah began classes Friday - nine days later than her classmates - after her mom signed an agreement saying the family would move into the district by Jan. 23, the end of the first semester.

"It was a good day," Sarah said after school. "I'm more relaxed now that I have my schedule and know where I'm going to school."

Her brother, Philip, a senior, can finish the year because Hamilton Schools agreed to release him.

"It's a regular practice of school districts to allow seniors - if they're enrolled in a school district the first day of the year - to finish their senior year if they request permission and if the district in which they reside releases them," said Jeff Kursman, spokesman for the Fairfield Schools.

The Godseys' problems began earlier this summer when the family moved into a Tyler's Creek townhouse - one of only a few units built specifically to accommodate residents with special needs - that they thought was in the Fairfield district. Part of the complex lies in the Hamilton school district; another section falls within the Fairfield Schools' boundaries.

When they requested a change of address form in early August to arrange transportation for Sarah, who uses a wheelchair, the Godseys were told the townhouse was in the Hamilton Schools section of the complex.

Fairfield School officials reviewed options with the family. But school officials say they didn't hear from the Godseys again until Mrs. Godsey called and met with Superintendent Robert Farrell Aug. 29, the second day of school.

"We are willing to re-enroll Sarah under a commitment by her family to find residency in Fairfield as soon as possible and no later than the end of the first semester," Kursman said.

Mrs. Godsey said Friday she was pleased that both her children were back in the Fairfield Schools, the only district they've ever attended.

E-mail suek@infionline.net