Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and Minnesota law, children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence have certain educational rights and protections.

Students experiencing homelessness may include those who are:

• Doubled up: Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
• Living in motels, hotels, campgrounds, or emergency shelters;
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or other places not designed for sleeping accommodations;
• Living in transitional housing;
• Unaccompanied youth who are not living with a parent or guardian.

Eligible students have the right to:

• Enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have typically required enrollment documents;
• Continue attending their school of origin when it is in the student's best interest;
• Receive transportation assistance as required by law;
• Participate fully in programs and activities during the school day (Note: Stillwater Area Public Schools does not provide transportation for before or after-school activities);
• Receive services comparable to those provided to other students;
• Access free school meals and other available support.

Families who believe their child may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act are encouraged to contact the District Homeless Liaison or school social worker/counselor.

District Homeless Liaison:
Jacquelene Bayless
Integration Supervisor
O: 651-351-8674
baylessj@stillwaterschools.org

Additional information about educational rights for students experiencing homelessness is available from the Minnesota Department of Education at:
https://education.mn.gov

If a dispute arises regarding school enrollment or school selection, the student has the right to remain enrolled and attending school while the dispute is resolved.