Missouri schools enrolling refugees from hurricane
By Lauren McKay
Columbia Missourian, September 1, 2005 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Columbia elementary schools have welcomed children relocating from the Gulf Coast. Refugee students have recently enrolled in both Shepard Boulevard and Russell Boulevard elementary schools.
Lynn Barnett, assistant superintendent for student support services, said two or three additional families with children will soon enter Columbia schools as well.
Missouri school districts should be prepared to accommodate refugee children escaping the hurricane, according to a message sent Wednesday to all school superintendents.
Jim Morris, spokesman for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, has been in contact with several districts that have already enrolled students from hurricane-ravaged areas. In addition to Columbia, they include the Kansas City, Hazelwood, Sturgeon, Bowling Green and Logan-Rogersville districts.
Morris said Missouri schools should welcome the new students and serve them without delay, regardless of academic qualifications or immunizations. The refugees will qualify as homeless under federal law, Morris said.
Each school district has a coordinator for homeless students. Barnett is the Columbia coordinator and ensures all administrators know how to deal with homeless students.
Morris said the number of children relocated to Missouri schools thus far is fairly small. They are likely seeking shelter with family or friends. He anticipates more.
