# JFABD - EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WHO ARE HOMELESS The Cape Elizabeth School Department (CESD) recognizes its statutory obligation to provide a free public education to children and youth who are homeless. Students who are homeless will not be segregated or stigmatized on the basis of their homelessness. In cooperation with other school units, the CESD will provide students who are homeless with suitable programs that assure equal access to education. Such education shall be provided according to the best interests of the student who is homeless, meaning that, to the extent feasible, 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. The CESD 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 students who are homeless. The Superintendent will designate a liaison for children and youth who are homeless who will coordinate the CESD’s services for students who are homeless. The liaison will be responsible for identifying and enrolling students who are homeless 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 Ed. Rule Ch. 14 ### Adopted: - October 13, 2009 ### Revised: - April 14, 2015 - May 11, 2021 ---