District Provides Update On Homeless Students

The Bourbon School District had 17 families throughout the year that were considered homeless as of April 18.

Identifying students who are homeless, at-risk, migrant or ELL (English Language Learners) is part of the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

Erin Altemeyer provided the update to school board members at the monthly meeting on April 18.

Altemeyer said a paper is sent home with students asking if they are considered any of the above. If the student and/or family indicates that the meet the criteria, another paper is sent home to make a determination.

Altemeyer said 15 more families initially indicated that they were homeless and sent the paper back.

“We sent a follow up, but didn’t hear back, so we can’t make that determination unless they sign it,” she said.

Some of the homeless students (the school has not had migrant or ELL students) have withdrawn from the district.

Board member John Craig asked Altemeyer if the withdraw meant that they had found stable housing, but she said they have left the district.

Craig asked what the district does for students once it is determined they are homeless.

Altemeyer said they receive free lunches and if they are outside the district, transportation is worked out. Some students, she said, may live in the Sullivan district. 

“If they were to move to Sullivan, we would share transportation,” Altemeyer said. 

Bourbon High School Principal Dena Smith said a homeless student or family triggers them to start working on finding stable solutions.

They work to determine if they are living with their family or living with someone else. The district also provides help with food stamp application and HUD assistance.