As HLERK previously reported in January 2017, the Every Student Succeeds Act places new requirements on school districts relative to foster care students. Specifically, under the Every Student Succeeds Act, school districts are required to ensure that students in foster care remain in their school of origin, unless remaining in the school of origin is not in the student’s best interest. Furthermore, school districts are required to develop procedures to ensure transportation to and from school is provided to students in foster care.

Recently, ISBE updated its Bulletin No. 01-16 with additional information on ensuring educational stability for foster care students. Additionally, ISBE developed guidance for school districts to use in developing their transportation procedures for students in foster care. As a reminder, these procedures must be developed by June 30, 2017.

Finally, ISBE and DCFS will host a webinar on May 4, 2017, to provide assistance to school districts in developing their registration procedures.  We encourage our clients to participate in the webinar. Registration is available HERE.

For your questions about foster care student transportation requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act, please contact Stephanie Jones or Kaitlin Atlas.