ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 420.1

AR 420.1      -                    Homeless Education

a)      The District will appoint a local educational liaison for homeless children and youth, who will ensure that:

i.         The parent/guardian of a homeless child and any unaccompanied homeless youth is informed of the educational and related opportunities available to them.

ii.       Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youth is disseminated where children and youth receive services such as schools and family shelters.

iii.      Enrollment disputes are mediated in accordance with legal requirements.

iv.     Building liaisons are provided with the necessary information for homeless children and youth.

b)      The student shall be immediately enrolled even if the student lacks the records normally required for enrollment. Records will immediately be requested from the previous school using the standard records request procedure.

c)      The homeless student should continue in his/her school of origin for the duration of the homelessness except when contrary to the wishes of the parent/guardian. The school of origin is defined as the school the homeless student attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled.

d)      At the request of the parent/guardian, transportation must be provide for homeless students including the unaccompanied student to the student’s school of origin for the duration of the homelessness. If the student remains in the School District of Fort Atkinson, the district is responsible for transportation. If the homeless student begins living in an area served by another school district, the two school districts will agree on a method for transportation and share the costs. Specific transportation decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. The district will provide transportation per established policy and procedure for the duration of the homelessness or until the homeless becomes permanently housed in the district. Permanent housing is defined as a signed lease or long-term approved living situation. 

e)      All homeless students shall be provided with free breakfast and lunch through the federal lunch program.

f)       At the time of registration all fees for registration and program participation shall be waived for homeless students.

g)  If a dispute arises over school district selection or enrollment in a school, the student shall be immediately admitted to the school district in which enrollment is sought. The student shall have the right to all appropriate educational services, transportation, free meals, and Title I services while the dispute is pending. Disputes should be resolved as expeditiously as possible. 

Placement decision considerations may include the ability of the school district to provide continuity in educational programs, the need of the homeless student for special instructional programs, the amount of time required to transport the student to the original school district, the age of the homeless student, school placement of siblings, and the time remaining until the end of the semester or the end of the school year. Appeals will go to the District Administrator or his/her designee. 

The parent or guardian of the child, youth, or unaccompanied youth shall be provided with a written explanation of the appealed decision regarding school selection or enrollment, including the right of the parent, guardian, or youth to appeal the decision to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. 

Legal Reference: 118.75, Wisconsin State Statues

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Title I of the No Child Left Behind Act

Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act

Cross Reference: Board Policy 420.1 – Homeless Education

Board Policy 342.5 – Title I

Administrative Rule 342.5 – Title I

Exhibit: Title I School-Parent Compact

Board Policy 342.51 – Title I Comparability

Board Policy 420 – Admission