September 2, 2005
State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Instructs California
Schools on How to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Students Evacuated from Affected Area are to be Enrolled Immediately in CA Schools
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today sent instructions to all California public schools on how to assist victims of the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
"As we watch and read about the suffering of our fellow Americans, I know you join me in offering heartfelt compassion and sympathy to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as they deal with what may be the worst natural disaster in our country's history," O'Connell wrote in a letter to all district and county school superintendents in California.
His letter reminded school districts that students arriving in California from evacuated areas are immediately eligible for enrollment in California public schools.
"Some schools have already reported the arrival of students who have been made homeless as a result of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. We welcome those students with open arms," O'Connell wrote.
The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Act requires immediate enrollment of homeless students, including those made homeless by natural disaster, even if those students do not have proof of residence, immunization records, school records or legal guardianship papers.
O'Connell committed to work with Governor Schwarzenegger and members of the California State Legislature to mitigate the financial impact on districts if a significant number of students evacuated from the disaster areas enroll in California schools.
O'Connell also initiated the California Kids Care project to contribute to the humanitarian relief efforts and is asking schools to participate. This is a voluntary program to collect money from students who want to donate. O'Connell is recommending that the funds be sent to the American Red Cross. Schools that participate will be recognized by the California Department of Education.
