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Every year, Mike Meyer has to deal with families that do not live in Stamford sending their children to the citys schools. However, they rarely end up in court as in the Tanya McDowell case.
Most families just dont understand the rule or what they are doing, Meyer, director of Student Support Services for Stamford Public Schools, said in a phone interview.
Since every family is in a different situation, cases are handled on an individual basis. While the schools look at many factors when dealing with out of town students, the focus is on the child, Meyer said.
Our decision is based on the best interest of the child, the school official said. Kids need to be raised in a community with their friends.
While students who do not live in Stamford usually are not allowed to go to Stamford Schools, there are exceptions, Meyer says.
One is if a family moves but does not want to take their child out before the end of the school year. The school has to approve the childs staying, mainly considering whether the student would have enough time to adjust to a new environment.
Another reason a student would be allowed to stay is if they become homeless and are in a shelter in another town. Under the McKinney-Vento Act, the parent can choose which town the child goes to school in. This is the defense McDowell is using.
Families forced to leave Stamford schools are not left on their own. Stamford Public Schools will help them get adjusted in their new neighborhood. They will also help find after-school childcare programs and other resources families may need.
What do you think Stamfords policy should be toward students from other towns? Share your thoughts below or send them to reporter Anthony Buzzeo at tbuzzeo@mainstreetconnect.us.
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