Policy Manual

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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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