4116 HOMELESS STUDENTS
In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the North Carolina State Plan for Educating Homeless Children, the Board of Education shall provide a free appropriate education to each homeless child or youth living within Durham County. The Board will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the district, encourage their enrollment, and eliminate barriers to their receiving an education which may exist in district policies or practices. The Board will ensure that homeless students are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless.
The Superintendent or designee will appoint and train a school employee to serve as the homeless liaison. The homeless liaison will assist families and children to enroll in school and receive the educational services for which they are eligible. If a dispute arises over enrollment for a homeless student, the enrollment dispute resolution process shall follow the procedures for Student Grievances, with the homeless liaison fulfilling the duties of the school principal.
The Superintendent shall develop rules and procedures to implement this policy, consistent with federal and state law and regulations. The provisions of this policy and the accompanying rules and procedures supersede any conflicting provisions in Board policy that address the areas discussed in the policy, rules and procedures.
Legal References: McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 11431, et seq.; U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance on Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program (2004); G.S. 115C-366(a2); 16 N.C.A.C. 6H.0112; State Board of Education Policy EEO-I- 000
Cross References: Immunization Requirements for School Admission (Policy 4115.1), Domicile or Residence Requirements (Policy 4115.1), Discretionary Admission (Policy 4115.2), School Assignment (Policy 4130), Student Grievances (Policy 4800)
Adopted: January 24, 2008
