Rights of Students Experiencing Homelessness
(Information for School-Aged Youth)

If students are living in any of the following situations:

  • In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
  • On the street
  • In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations
  • Doubled up with friends or relatives due to lack of housing

They have specific rights and protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.

Your Rights Include:

  • Access to Education: Students have the right to attend school regardless of your current living situation. Students experiencing homelessness must be given the same public education as other students.
  • School Continuity: Students can continue attending the school they were in before becoming homeless or the last school they attended, if that is your choice and it is feasible. The School District’s local liaison for homeless education, Rick Matte 603-610-4167, will assist you and provide the option to appeal if your school choice is not accommodated.
  • Transportation: If students wish to remain in your previous school, they have the right to request transportation to that school.
  • Participation: Students can attend and take part in school programs alongside non-homeless students. Students should not be segregated from the regular school program because of their homelessness.
  • Enrollment: Students can enroll in school without needing a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might delay or prevent their enrollment.
  • Documentation: Students may enroll and start classes while the school processes the transfer of school and immunization records or other necessary documents.
  • Special Programs: Students that are experiencing homelessness are entitled to the same special programs and services as all other students, if needed.
  • Ongoing Support: Students should receive transportation to school and to school programs as required.
  • McKinney-Vento NHDOE Enrollment and Dispute Information
  • Board Policy JFABD Enrollment of Homeless Students

When students that are experiencing homelessness move:

  • Contact the Local Liaison: Reach out to the School District’s local liaison for homeless education to help with enrolling in a new school or continuing at your previous school. The liaison can also assist with other needs.
  • Inform Teachers: Let your teachers know if there is anything they need to be aware of to support you in school.
  • Request Assistance: Ask the local liaison, shelter provider, or a social worker for help with clothing and supplies if needed.

Dispute Process:

If a student experiencing homelessness disagrees with a placement decision made by the local Homeless Liaison, they can appeal by contacting Zach McLaughlin, Superintendent of Schools at 603-610-4164. For unresolved disputes after appealing to the homeless liaison and Superintendent, you can contact the New Hampshire State Coordinator for Homeless Education: Christina Dotson, available at 603-271-3840.

Contacts:

  • Local Homeless Liaison for Portsmouth School District: Rick Matte, Director of Pupil Support & Instruction, 603-610-4167
  • New Hampshire State Coordinator for Homeless Education: Christina Dotson, available at 603-271-3840.
  • For a list of individual school contacts, click here.

For additional information, visit the National Center for Homeless Education at www.serve.org/nche and the NH Department of Education, Homeless Children and Youth.