Parents are sounding off through social media about problems with the DeKalb County School District's new online school choice application process.

Stone Mountain, GA -- Parents are sounding off through social media about problems with the DeKalb County School District's new online school choice application process, which ends on Friday.

"I still can't even get logged in!" wrote one parent on Facebook.

"To say we are frustrated is an understatement!!!!" wrote another.

Early Monday morning, it appeared the district's technology staff was making progress to fix problems that started when the enrollment period opened three weeks ago.

For the first time, the status of some students was changed from "ineligible" to "eligible," despite earlier issues with addresses.

Thousands of parents use the online system to apply to get their children into one of dozens of popular programs, including magnet, charter and theme schools.

"I'm very disappointed about the rollout of school choice," said DeKalb School Board Member Stan Jester, who's heard an earful from parents. "I realize technology is difficult, but we spend a lot of money on IT. I expect these systems to work the first time."

"We apologize to any parent who's had difficulty," he said. "We have to work through the problems, and we're doing better everyday. Hopefully next year, all the bugs will be worked out."

Thurmond blamed the problem on a spike in interest and applications.

The process has been so problematic that the district dedicated five different phone numbers for parent technical support.

But 11Alive called every number on Friday and couldn't get through to anyone.

The school district provided 11Alive with copies of e-mails from parents praising staff members who've been handling complaints.

"I just wanted to write you and tell you about the great customer service I received with my school choice application," Sean Jacobs wrote. "The staff has really been helpful."

District officials said staff will take 30 days to go through the applications and clean up any errors before the lotteries start.

Many of these programs are so popular, the district has to pick names through a lottery to see who gets in.

As of Friday, the district had processed 3,424 online applications and 1,347 paper applications.