Answer: For transportation that is not to the school of origin, local educational agencies are required to provide transportation that is comparable to that provided to housed students. 42 USC 11432(g)(4)(A). Therefore, the same policy on walk zones would apply to McKinney-Vento students. However, the McKinney-Vento Act also requires LEAs to eliminate barriers to the school enrollment and retention of students experiencing homelessness. 42 USC 11432(g)(1)(I), (g)(7). So if there is something about this particular family’s homelessness that is a barrier to walking to school within the 1.5 miles, then the school district would be required to eliminate the barrier, potentially through transportation, depending on the exact situation.
Our district policy is that elementary students living within 1.5 miles from the school they attend walk (middle and high school is 2.0 miles). Would that policy apply to a McKinney Vento eligible student?
Jan 3, 2020 | Q and A