Stevensville School District

STUDENTS

Education of Homeless Children
Every child of a homeless individual and every homeless child are entitled to equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to children with permanent housing. The District must assign and admit a child who is homeless to a District school regardless of residence and irrespective of whether the homeless child is able to produce records normally required for enrollment. The District may not require an out-of-District attendance agreement and tuition for a homeless child.

Should a child become homeless over the course of the school year, the child must be able to remain at the school of origin, or be eligible to attend another school in the district.

The Superintendent will review and revise as necessary rules or procedures that may be barriers to enrollment of homeless children and youths. In reviewing and revising such procedures, the Superintendent will consider issues of transportation, immunization, residence, birth certificates, school records, and other documentation.

Homeless students will have access to services comparable those offered to other students, including but not limited to:

1. Transportation services;
2. Educational services for which a student meets eligibility criteria (e.g., Title I);
3. Educational programs for children with disabilities and limited English proficiency;
4. Programs in career and technical education;
5. Programs for gifted and talented students; and
6. School nutrition program.

The Superintendent will give special attention to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless children and youths not currently attending school. The Superintendent will appoint a liaison for homeless children. A “homeless individual” is defined as provided in the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.

Anyone having a concern or complaint regarding placement or education of a homeless child will first present it orally and informally to the District homeless liaison. Thereafter, a written complaint must be filled in accordance with the District Uniform Complaint Procedure.

Cross Reference:
1700 Uniform Complaint Procedure
3125F McKinney-Vento Homeless Educational Assistance Dispute Resolution

Legal Reference:
42 U.S.C. §§42 U.S.C. § 11301 et seq 11431, et seq.
McKinney Homeless Assistance Act
§ 20-5-101, MCA Admittance of child to school

Policy History:
Adopted on: December 13, 2011
Reviewed on: October 2017; June 11, 2019; December 12, 2023
Revised on: October 2017; July 9, 2019; January 9, 2024