Families in Transition

Sometimes families face unexpected circumstances that result in homelessness. The Wilkinsburg School District is committed to supporting students and families during these difficult times.

Our Homeless and Foster Care Liaison ensures that all students experiencing homelessness - whether for the first time or over an extended period - have access to a quality education, stable school placement, transportation assistance, and other support services while enrolled in Wilkinsburg public or charter schools. 

The district’s Homelessness and Foster Care Liaison plays a vital role in supporting students and families experiencing homelessness. Responsibilities include identifying eligible students, coordinating with local shelters and service providers, and working with other school districts to ensure smooth records transfer and transportation arrangements. The liaison also collaborates with staff who support students with disabilities under IDEA or Section 504, as well as with state and local housing agencies. In addition, the liaison ensures that public notices about students’ educational rights are posted in schools, shelters, libraries, and other community spaces, and provides timely and accurate data to Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Program. 

What is Homelessness?

A student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:

• Staying with others due to loss of housing or hardship
• Living in hotels, motels, campgrounds, or shelters
• Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing
• Being a runaway or unaccompanied youth
• Being abandoned in hospitals or forced to leave home
• Living in group homes or transitional housing

Educational Rights for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students have the right to:

• Stay in their school of origin, even if they move
• Enroll in school immediately, even without typical documentation (immunizations, proof of address, etc.)
• Receive transportation to and from their school of origin
• Access the same educational services as other students, including special education, gifted services, and free school meals

Enrollment and Placement

Students will remain in their school of origin whenever possible, unless a different placement is in their best interest. Parents or guardians may also choose to enroll their child in the school near their current temporary residence. 

If a student is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, the liaison will help determine placement, prioritize the student’s wishes, and support the enrollment process. 

If there is a disagreement about school selection or enrollment:

• The student will be enrolled immediately in the school requested. 
• The parent/guardian (or student) will receive a written explanation of the decision and their right to appeal. 
• The district liaison will help resolve the issue quickly. 

School Records and Health Services

Students experiencing homelessness are not required to show residency for enrollment. School and health records will be requested from the previous school, and oral confirmation of immunization is acceptable. The liaison can help obtain medical records and access to healthcare providers if needed. 

 

Transportation Services

Wilkinsburg School District will provide transportation for homeless students to their school of origin or another district school they choose to attend. If another school district is involved, both districts will coordinate transportation and share costs as needed. If you need help with transportation, please contact Diane Ionadi at [email protected].

 

Fiscal Responsibilities

The following guidelines determine how tuition and funding are managed for students experiencing homelessness:

• Students staying in shelters, hotels, or with other families (doubled-up) are reported as resident students of the educating district. 
• If a student is in a shelter, the educating district will contact the presumed home district to confirm residency. 
  • If confirmed, the home district is billed for tuition.
  • If not confirmed, the student is considered a ward of the state, and the state pays tuition. 
• If a student becomes permanently housed midyear and remains in their school or origin (outside their new district), they continue as a nonresident student. 

 

Family Engagement and Support

We value family engagement and aim to make all families feel welcome. If you need help participating in school events or activities, please contact:

• Kelly Primary; Rachel Gardocky at [email protected]
• Turner Intermediate: Kerry McClellan at [email protected]