rlester@k12.wv.us
Phone: (304) 436-8441 ext 2117
Serving Homeless Children and Youth
McKinney Vento Act
All schools and districts receiving federal funds must ensure that services are provided to children and youth who are experiencing homelessness.
Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the term “homeless children and youth” refers to students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence.
The federal McKinney Vento Act and West Virginia state law and policy guarantee that you can enroll in school if you live:
In a shelter (family shelter, domestic violence shelter, youth shelter or transitional living program)
In a motel, hotel, or weekly rate housing
In a house or apartment with one or more family because of economic hardship or loss
In an abandoned building, car, at a campground, on the street
With friends or family because you are a runaway or unaccompanied youth
In substandard housing (no electricity, no water, and/or heat)
McDowell County Schools is committed to providing support for our students who are experiencing homelessness. We understand the challenges facing homeless students and have programs in place to make certain that these students have the resources necessary to obtain a successful education.
The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act is to ensure that all children and youth have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education, as non-homeless children and youth. The local liaison is the primary contact between homeless families, school, and LEA staff, shelter workers, and other service providers and is the key to ensuring homeless children and youths receive the services they need.
Parents and youth experiencing homelessness should contact McDowell County Schools McKinney-Vento homeless liaison, Mr. Aaron Lester, for assistance, or complete the Student Residency Form to the right and return to any school or bring to the McDowell County Schools Board of Education.
More information about the McKinney-Vento Act on the resources below of by requesting a paper packet of information.
For assistance and more information, please contact Mr. Aaron Lester
Requests for Supplies and Services
Homeless Action Plan Revised 22-23 For School Staff to Complete
McKinney Vento Elgibility Flow Chart
Unaccompanied Youth Elgibility Flow Chart
National Center for Homeless Education
Common Signs of Homelessness (Staff Training)
Identification of Homelessness
Enrollment for Homeless Students Rights
Enrollment Dispute Resolution Form
Contact the school district liaison, Mr. Aaron Lester, for help in enrolling in a new school or arranging to continue in the school you have been attending.
Contact the new school and provide any information necessary to assist the teachers in helping you adjust to the new circumstances.
Aaron Lester, School District Liaison
Amanda Peyton, Assistant Superintendent
afragile@k12.wv.us
Phone: (304) 436-8441 Ext 2104
You may also:
Continue to attend the school in which you were last enrolled, even if you have moved away from that school’s attendance zone or district;
Receive transportation from the current residence back to the school of origin;
Participate fully in all school activities and programs for which you are eligible; and
Contact the district liaison to resolve any disputes that arise during the enrollment process.
Foster Care Supports for Families
Mr. Aaron Lester, Student Services Director is the MCS Foster Care Liason. Please contact Mr. Lester at 304-436-8441 or by email at rlester@k12.wv.us if you need support for your foster care children.
Mr. Lester collaborates monthly with all school principals to ensure that our foster care students have what they need to be successful. Mr. Lester also works collaboratively with the DHHR to ensure that students' needs are met and that everyone is working to help them unleash their potential!
McDowell County DHHR Contact:
Mrs. Tera Beeman
840 Virginia Avenue Welch, WV 24801
Phone: 436-8302 Fax: 436-3248