Board hears revisions to foster-care policy as staff report 45 students with open cases

Claudia, the district presenter, described significant revisions to Policy 3116 to align school practice with the duties of the foster-care liaison and to formalize best-interest determinations and dispute-resolution procedures.

"There is significant changes in the policy to align with the duties of the foster care liaison and the building points of contact," Claudia said, summarizing the policy’s purpose. She told the board the district identified 45 students this school year with open foster-care cases and that staff have held 34 best-interest determination meetings so far. Claudia added that the liaison has facilitated 18 additional follow-up meetings, including IEPs, threat assessments and attendance interventions, to support continuity for these students.

Claudia explained the revisions are meant to speed coordination after a student’s placement changes and to identify building-level points of contact (family support specialists or counselors) with annual training. She said the policy clarifies decision-making toward the student’s best interest and establishes a dispute-resolution process similar to McKinney-Vento procedures for school placement disagreements.

Board members asked about whether strengthening the foster-care liaison role implies added responsibilities or compensation; Claudia said the role has expanded responsibilities and that the district provides administrative coordination and training but did not commit to financial compensation changes during the meeting.

The board did not take a final adoption vote on the policy during open session; staff presented the revisions in the proposal portion of the agenda and indicated follow-up implementation steps including training and coordination with community providers.