Bill > LD1760

This bill amends Maine's education laws to streamline and improve student transfer processes across school administrative units. The legislation consolidates provisions for elementary and secondary school transfers into a single section of law, and requires school administrative units to adopt transfer policies that do not discriminate against students based on factors like residential address, ability, disability, race, ethnicity, sex, or socioeconomic status. The bill mandates that schools publicly post their available capacity by grade level each month and establish clear procedures for transfer applications, including requirements that receiving schools notify sending school administrative units about accepted transfer students. Additionally, the bill requires school boards of multiple administrative units to create mutual policies governing student transfers and compels education service centers to allow student transfers among their member units. The legislation also strengthens protections for homeless students by requiring the Commissioner of Education to adopt rules ensuring unrestricted access to free public education, in line with federal homeless education assistance guidelines. Schools are now required to annually report transfer application data to the state, including the number of applications, acceptances, denials, and reasons for denials, which will be published on the department's website to increase transparency in the student transfer process.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1760&snum=132