Homelessness & education
This site provides information and resources for students who are homeless and their families. Highline School District adheres to the definitions of homelessness and addresses the educational rights of students who are homeless as established in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Use the list below to access additional information and resources.
For more information about Highline School District’s McKinney-Vento policies, or to request specific support for a homeless student, visit your local school or contact:
Jinna Risdal or Laura Bermes
District Homeless Liaison Homeless Family Service Worker
206-277-5904 206-277-5924
risdalj@hsd401.org bermesla@hsd401.org
Additional information about homeless services is available through:
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Melinda Dyer
360-725-6050
Program Manager, Homeless Children and Youth
McKinney-Vento Forms
In order to guarantee the educational rights of homeless students, the Highline School District McKinney-Vento Program requires an Interview Form be completed, along with a Nutrition Service Form for each qualifying student. Both forms are simple to fill out and need only a guardian or student signature, or the signature of a school building designee. Turn forms into the school where your student attends or where your student is registering. For students attempting to remain at their school of origin during homelessness who require out-of-area, or out-of-district transportation, please complete a Transportation Request Form and turn it into your school designee. If you are providing out-of-area transportation in-lieu of receiving district service, you have the right to request mileage reimbursement. In that case, please complete the In Lieu Transportation Forms and turn into your child’s school for processing.
If you have questions about these forms or are in need of assistance in filling out forms, call Laura Bermes at 277-5924.
Additional Information and Resources
