Bill > H0835

This bill aims to improve educational support for homeless students by requiring school districts to immediately enroll them and provide transportation assistance if their parents or guardians are seeking shelter or are located in a different district, ensuring they can continue attending their original school, known as their "school of origin." Additionally, each school district must designate an employee as a homeless education liaison to help these students access and succeed in school, mediate enrollment disputes, arrange transportation, and assist unaccompanied homeless youth with enrollment decisions. The bill also establishes the Educational Stability Grant Program, which will provide funds to public education providers, including school districts and certain higher education institutions, to offer academic and social-emotional support to highly mobile students, with the goal of improving attendance, reducing disciplinary issues, and increasing graduation rates. This program will be overseen by the Agency of Education, which will set application procedures and evaluate the effectiveness of the grants awarded, with a specific appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 2027.

Education

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.835