Lawrence County Independent Schools is committed to ensuring that all children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to a free, appropriate public education. In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, we provide support and services to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic success.

District McKinney-Vento Liaison

Sarah Daughtrey
District McKinney-Vento Liaison
📧 sdaughtrey@lcis.education
📞 812-807-6602

The District Liaison ensures that students experiencing homelessness are identified and receive the services and protections they are entitled to under federal law.

Who Qualifies Under McKinney-Vento?

Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including those who are:

  • Sharing housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship

  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations

  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters

  • Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing

  • Unaccompanied youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian

Rights of Students Experiencing Homelessness

Students identified under the McKinney-Vento Act have the right to:

  • Immediate enrollment in school, even if required documents (birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency, etc.) are not available

  • Remain in their school of origin, if it is in the student’s best interest

  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin

  • Access free school meals

  • Participate fully in all academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletics

  • Receive support services to remove barriers to attendance and success

  • Be protected from segregation or discrimination

Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Resources

For additional information about the McKinney-Vento Program, please visit the
Indiana Department of Education McKinney-Vento page:

IDOE McKinney-Vento: Homeless Children & Youth Program

State McKinney-Vento Coordinator Contact Information

Charie Jones
State Coordinator, McKinney-Vento Program
Indiana Department of Education
📧 McKinneyVentoPOC@doe.in.gov
📞 317-232-0957

Directory of State and Federal Resources

Families may access assistance through:

  • Local housing and shelter programs

  • Food assistance programs (SNAP, WIC, food banks)

  • Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA)

  • Community mental health providers

  • Domestic violence and crisis support services

For assistance connecting to community resources, please contact our District Liaison.