MMSD updates homeless education policy to align with McKinney‑Vento; clarifies transportation and unaccompanied youth rights

District staff presented a revised Homeless Education Policy (4406) at the May 22 workshop, saying the changes update the district to the 2015 McKinney‑Vento provisions, clarify definitions and expand protections for unaccompanied youth and transportation through the school year.

Cindy (staff member) told the board the policy was updated because "the McKinney Vento law under ESSA changed in 02/2015. And so we, need to update this. We've been asked by DPI, and we need to update this to align to, the McKinney Vento act." She said the district worked with DPI and received review and feedback.

Why it matters: The McKinney‑Vento Act defines enrollment, transportation and dispute‑resolution rights for students experiencing homelessness. Staff said the revised policy removes outdated language (for example, references to "awaiting foster care placement"), strengthens the homeless liaison’s responsibilities and professional development, clarifies that students experiencing homelessness may be enrolled immediately without waiting for documentation, and preserves transportation to the school of origin through the end of the school year even after a family secures housing.

Key points and board questions

- Definitions and enrollment: Staff said the draft clarifies definitions (including unaccompanied youth), removes outdated eligibility language, and emphasizes immediate enrollment regardless of missing paperwork. Cindy: "We wanna get the student into their educational, services right away."

- Liaison and training: Staff described expanded liaison responsibilities and said the district has increased training for social workers and other staff so school‑based personnel can identify and support students experiencing housing instability.

- Transportation and continuity: The draft clarifies transportation provisions and cost‑sharing; staff said if a family secures housing mid‑year, students can retain transportation to their school of origin through the end of that school year to maintain educational continuity.

- Unaccompanied youth and rights: The policy adds language permitting unaccompanied youth to self‑enroll, sign necessary documents, receive surrogate parent support for IEPs or 504 plans if needed, and be recognized as independent for higher education financial aid purposes.

- Specific board questions: Board member Blair asked whether the policy’s reference to living in trailer parks is from the revised law; staff confirmed that the language comes from McKinney‑Vento. Board member Savian asked how staff identify students who may be homeless; staff said social workers receive McKinney‑Vento training and school social workers are the primary point of contact to preserve confidentiality and support families.

Board direction and next steps

- This was presented as a first read. Staff said they will return the policy for a second read at the June 2 instruction work group and hope to place it on the June 23 regular board meeting agenda for approval so the district can implement updates before July 1.

- No formal vote was taken at the May 22 meeting.

Ending

Staff emphasized that the changes were drafted with DPI and aim to make the policy easier for families and staff to understand and to close gaps the district identified through experience resolving disputes and providing transportation and continuity services.