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Board hears first reading of homeless‑student policy update tied to McKinney‑Vento and Ed. Code reporting
Summary
The board received a first reading May 27 of proposed Board Policy 6173, updating district rules for the education of homeless children to reflect McKinney‑Vento, state Education Code requirements and CSBA guidance.
The San Marino Unified School District Board of Education on May 27 heard a first reading of proposed Board Policy 6173, "Education for Homeless Children," updated to align district practice with federal and state requirements.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Linda Richter told the board the update implements California School Boards Association (CSBA) guidance and state administrative regulations and aligns local policy with the McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance Act and California Education Code reporting requirements. Salient additions she cited include LCAP goals and actions for districts that identify 15 or more homeless students, a regular review of homeless‑student policies to remove barriers such as absences or outstanding fees, a designated homeless liaison, an annual housing questionnaire, multilingual informational materials, annual professional development for related staff, and annual reporting to the California Department of Education and the board.
In discussion, trustees asked for the federal McKinney‑Vento definition and whether families temporarily staying outside district boundaries would be served. Dr. Richter explained McKinney‑Vento defines homeless students as those who "lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence," giving examples such as doubled‑up housing, motels, cars and hotels; she clarified services are provided when the residence falls within district boundaries. Board members asked how many students currently met the definition; staff said the district had identified 12 students and that reaching 15 would trigger required LCAP goal language.
Dr. Richter said the items in the policy are already in practice and that staff will return with a recommendation for adoption at the next regular board meeting. The May 27 presentation was a first reading; no adoption vote was taken.
