House of
Representatives
SB 1324
schools; open enrollment; foster children
Sponsor: Senator Johnson
SB 1324 requires school districts to give nonresident enrollment priority to foster children who are relocated to another school within their existing school district or to a new school district.
History
A.R.S. Section 15-816.01 requires school district governing boards to establish policies and implement an open enrollment policy without charging tuition. These policies must include admission criteria, application procedures and transportation provisions.
School districts may provide transportation limited to no more than 20 miles each way for nonresident students who meet the economic eligibility requirements established under the National School Lunch Program, but are required to provide transportation up to 20 miles each way for nonresident students with disabilities whose individualized education program requires transportation in order to fulfill the program.
A.R.S. Section 8-501 defines foster child as a child placed in a foster home or child welfare agency. According to the Department of Economic Security, there were 9,906 children in out-of-home care as of September 30, 2005. Approximately 55% of these children are between 5 and 18 years of age.
Provisions
· Requires school districts to give nonresident enrollment priority to foster children at their current school of attendance who are relocated to another school within their existing school district or to a new school district.
Amendments
Committee on K-12 Education
The Committee on K-12 Education adopted a strike-everything amendment to SB 1324 that:
· Establishes a mental health screening consent form.
· Requires a school district or charter school to obtain the written consent of a pupil’s parent or legal guardian on the form prior to conducting a mental health screening.
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· Forty-seventh Legislature
· Second Regular Session 2 March 15, 2006
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