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Policy JFABD
South Portland School Department recognizes its statutory obligation to provide a free public education to homeless children and youth. Homeless students will not be segregated or stigmatized on the basis of their homelessness. In cooperation with other school units, South Portland School Department will provide homeless students with suitable programs that assure equal access to education. Such education shall be provided according to the best interests of the homeless student, meaning that the student’s education shall continue in the school the student last attended before becoming homeless, unless doing so is contrary to the wishes of the student’s parents or guardian.
South Portland School Department shall file with the Maine Department of Education, as part of its annual Title I Plan, a description of services that will be provided to homeless children. The Superintendent will designate a Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth who will coordinate the school unit’s services for homeless students. The Liaison will be responsible for identifying and enrolling homeless students so they receive the educational services for which they are eligible.
The Superintendent is authorized to develop and implement any administrative procedures necessary to carry out this policy, consistent with applicable statutes and regulations.
Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq. (The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act)
20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 13-A, 261 and 5205
Me. Dept. of Educ. Rule Ch. 14
Maine State Plan for the Education of Homeless Children and
Youth
Revised: June 2003
Revised: July 14, 2003
Revised: January 10, 2022
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