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Auburn School Committee approves first reading of homelessness policy and related regulations
Summary
The Auburn School Committee on Jan. 8 approved a first reading of a revised district policy and accompanying regulations on students experiencing homelessness, aligning district language with federal McKinney‑Vento references and prompting discussion about definitions and mandated‑reporter procedures.
Auburn — The Auburn School Committee voted Jan. 8 to approve for first reading a revised district policy, AUBJFABD, titled Education of Students Experiencing Homelessness, and its companion regulations (AUBJFABD R). The motions carried with unanimous voice approval after brief discussion of terminology and mandated‑reporting responsibilities.
The changes presented to the committee revised language throughout the policy to use the phrase “students experiencing homelessness” rather than “homeless students,” and updated the legal reference section to cite the McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Committee members said the edits improve clarity and align local documents with current federal guidance.
Committee members asked for clarification on specific definitions in the regulations, including language that lists “motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds” as examples of living situations that may indicate non‑permanent housing. One member questioned whether the phrase “trailer parks” could be read to include permanently sited mobile homes, and staff clarified the intent is to identify nonpermanent or inadequate nighttime residences rather than households living in a mobile home as a primary residence.
Members also raised questions about whether school staff who receive disclosures of a student’s housing status routinely identify themselves as mandated reporters. The committee heard that the district’s designated liaison and other staff are mandated reporters under applicable state law, and that some aspects of mandated‑reporting responsibilities are set by statute rather than policy. The committee requested a follow‑up: the district will provide an update, and the committee scheduled a presentation by the district’s liaison, Sasha, at the next health and safety subcommittee meeting.
In other procedural action related to the item, the committee chair called for a motion to approve the policy for a first reading; the motion was made and seconded and was approved by unanimous voice vote. A separate motion to approve the regulations for a first reading was likewise moved, seconded, and carried.
The committee asked staff to provide the current count of students in the district identified as experiencing homelessness; this information was requested at multiple prior meetings and committee members said they had not yet received the number. Staff agreed to supply the latest count and to include an update at the next meeting.
The first‑reading approvals mean the policy and regulations will return for a subsequent vote (second reading/adoption) at a later meeting as required by district procedures. No changes to services or budget were approved as part of these motions.
