House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for SB319 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Residence for school attendance of children awaiting foster care or permanent family placement.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 13, 2018
Nick Myers, Office of Revisor of Statutes, gave an overview of SB319. He described the bill, which would amend K.S.A. 72-3122 relating to which school district a student can attend based on such student's residency. (Attachment 6)
Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau presented testimony in proposition of SB319. (Attachment 7) Senator Faust-Goudeau discussed what led her to have experience in this area, and stated that Katherine Love was providing written testimony that would explain their position and support clearly. The Senator stated her main goal is that children are in school, and she wanted to ensure that Ms. Love's testimony was read.
Senator Alley asked how long children are placed in different schools due to placement changes. Senator Faust-Goudeau responded that she has heard many different time frames so she could not say for sure. She stated she was hearing that children miss anywhere from 8 - 30 days of school per year due to this issue.
Gina Meier Hummel, Secretary, Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF), presented neutral testimony for SB319. (Attachment 8) Secretary Meier Hummel read from her presentation, and noted that DCF supports this bill's desire to maintain education for children in the Secretary's custody no matter their situation.
Senator Bollier asked if the Secretary could walk through a scenario and asked for clarification if Secretary Meier Hummel is a proponent of this bill or is neutral. Secretary Meier Hummel discussed an ideal situation for children who DCF gains custody of, and, if the ideal situation is not possible, what they would like to see and for whom. She stated she believed this bill is aimed for kids that are facing multiple placements. Secretary Meier Hummel detailed how placements works and the need for specific staffing. Senator Bollier stated she was concerned that this bill is a quick fix and she asked what other options are available for these children and if we need to look at other models. Secretary Meier Hummel responded briefly.
Senator Pettey stated that this language was to allow a foster child to move into a new school with a placement agreement in place through foster care as opposed to waiting for something else. Secretary Meier Hummel stated that was one way to interpret this. Discussion ensued on different scenarios on children changing schools and helping children in these gaps.
Senator Alley asked how many students are transferred per year. The Secretary responded that over 7,000 children are placed in foster care but she is unsure of the exact number that are changing schools per year.
Senator Pyle asked the staff what are the student count dates. Ms. Lawrence responded that the one count date is September 20th. Senator Pyle asked that if a student isn't counted at this date how are funding amounts transferred. Chairperson Baumgardner stated that this was a reason to advocate for two count dates, noting movement occurs within all schools for a variety of reasons. Senator Pyle stated he would like to have specific numbers. Chairperson Baumgardner asked Secretary Meier Hummel for data with regards to total population, age ranges, and how many children are moved out of their home school district and moved to a different district. Chairperson Baumgardner asked for clarification if there was an online system and the time frame and how soon the meeting have to occur, in the context of if we have in the State a problem getting files from one district to another. Secretary Meier Hummel stated there was an online system in the state, however DCF regularly has districts that won't let the children attend until records are obtained. Chairperson Baumgardner asked if this was due to federal law. Secretary Meier Hummel stated she believed this to be school districts following federal law. Chairperson Baumgardner commented that she is thinking that we should be looking at something other than what is outlined in this bill with regards to school districts following federal law.
Written testimony was provided by Kansas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) (Attachment 9) and Katherine Love (Attachment 10), foster parent and educator at USD 259.
With no further questions Chairperson Baumgardner adjourned the meeting.
