We understand the challenges facing these students and have programs in place to ensure students have the resources necessary to continue their education. Frequently asked questions
What is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act? The McKinney-Vento Act is a law passed in 1987 and re-authorized in 2015 under the Every Child Succeeds Act. The act ensures that homeless students and unaccompanie
d homeless youth are successful in school by removing barriers to access. An individual is homeless if he or she lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. The definition of homelessness includes those living in shelters, motels, campgrounds, cars, or other inadequate shelter. The law also includes situations in which an individual shares the housing of relatives or others because he or she has lost housing or cannot afford housing due to economic hardship. Can my child stay at his/her school if we become homeless and have to move out of the school zone? If a parent/guardian of a homeless student requests continued enrollment of the student in the school the student has been attending prior to becoming homeless (school of origin), the student may continue to attend that school. The decision will be based on the feasibility of enrollment and the best interest of the student. The parent/guardian may dispute the decision made by the McKinney-Vento Liaison. How does my child receive transportation to his/her school of origin? If you are living outside the attendance zone for the school of origin, the McKinney-Vento liaison will contact the transportation department and request bus transportation to and from school for your student. This process can take up to 7 school days to arrange. The McKinney-Vento liaison will contact you and your child’s school with the arrangements once the route has been confirmed by transportation. Who can I call if I need assistance? The McKinney-Vento Liaison for the Hall County School System is Melissa Sutulovich, and can be reached by email [email protected]
What resources are available? The school system can provide tutoring services, school supplies, basic necessities, after school care assistance, transportation to and from school and referrals to community agencies. Each student that qualifies for McKinney-Vento services automatically qualifies for the free lunch program.
