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Residency Hotline

WHY RESIDENCY MATTERS

 SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Children who live within the district boundaries are entitled to attend our schools at no cost. Residency means that the student’s primary home is physically located within the district and that the student lives there full-time with a parent or legal guardian. Families may be asked to provide proof of residency, such as a lease, mortgage, or utility bill, when registering or if there is ever a question about where the student lives.

STUDENTS MOVING INTO THE DISTRICT

Families who have signed a contract to buy or build a home in the district may enroll their children during the semester in which they expect to move in, without paying tuition. Proof of the pending move (such as a purchase contract or building agreement) is required.

STUDENTS MOVING OUT OF THE DISTRICT

If a family moves out of the district, their children may continue attending for up to two weeks after the move. After that, they are considered non-residents and are no longer eligible to attend without paying tuition, unless covered under laws for homeless students.

There is one exception for students in 6th grade:

  • If a student’s family moves after February 1 of the 6th grade year, that student and any siblings already enrolled may finish out the school year.
  • If the family moves before February 1, continued attendance would require Board of Education approval and possible tuition.

NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS

Students who live outside the district may be allowed to attend only in special cases and must pay tuition set by the Board of Education. Admission depends on space availability and approval by the Superintendent. Non-resident students will not be accepted if it requires hiring additional staff or expanding class sizes. Transportation for non-resident students is the responsibility of the family unless otherwise required by law.

HOMELESS STUDENTS

Students who are homeless are protected under federal and state law and may continue to attend our schools even if they are temporarily living outside the district. The district’s Homeless Student Policy (5151) outlines these rights in detail.

 

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~$27,000 per-pupil expenditure 

TOP 10 REASONS RESIDENCY MATTERS

  1. Ensures taxpayer dollars fund local students, not non-residents.
  2. Prevents overcrowded classrooms and protects staffing ratios.
  3. Maintains program quality across academics, arts in education, and enrichment programs.
  4. Protects the district’s budget planning and fiscal health.
  5. Supports fairness to local families who contribute via property taxes.
  6. Ensures accurate enrollment data for staffing and facilities.
  7. Prevents mis-allocation of special programs and services.
  8. Protects the community’s property values and overall stability.
  9. Builds trust with residents that resources are used responsibly.
  10. Upholds students’ legal right to tuition-free public education within their assigned attendance zone, in accordance with New York Education Law §3202.

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You may leave an anonymous tip regarding students who may be attending District 30 unlawfully.

Please provide as much detailed information as possible. You may also include your name and telephone number, but you are not required to do so. Please be assured the residency officer will engage in the necessary follow-up.

Residency Hotline: (516) 434-3750

or

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RESIDENCY VERIFICATION PROCESS 

1,700+ Red Arrow Pointing Down Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images  - iStockSTEP 1: RESIDENCY CONCERN ANONYMOUS REPORT

  • Concerns may come from staff, students, parents, or community members via the anonymous reporting form.
  • Upon receipt, the district reviews the student’s attendance record:
    • Chronic absenteeism or frequent tardiness prompts contact with the family to ensure student wellbeing.
    • If contact fails and patterns suggest possible relocation, district-issued device location tools may be used only to confirm student safety and district property.

1,700+ Red Arrow Pointing Down Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images  - iStockSTEP 2: VERIFICATION USING DISTRICT RECORDS

  • Residency officers review enrollment forms, utility bills, leases, and affidavits.
  • They engage in preliminary fact-finding meetings with school leaders, classroom teachers, nurse, and etc. to identify any additional concerns.
  • For students with disabilities, the Director of Special Services is consulted for insights that may substantiate or clarify the report.
  • Families are contacted to clarify or update inconsistent documentation.
  • If residency cannot be verified through these steps, the process moves to a commissioner-approved private investigator.

1,700+ Red Arrow Pointing Down Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images  - iStockSTEP 3: THIRD-PARTY INVESTIGATION

  • If residency cannot be verified, a commissioner-approved private investigator may be engaged.
  • The investigator conducts a comprehensive review of public records and gathers evidence through investigation methods consistent with New York State law, privacy regulations, and due process standards.
  • All actions are documented to support transparency, fairness, and potential appeals.

1,700+ Red Arrow Pointing Down Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images  - iStockSTEP 4: RESIDENCY DETERMINATION

  • Residency officers conduct a comprehensive review of the entire case, from the initial anonymous report through all investigation steps, considering documentation, staff input, and any family-provided evidence.
  • Decisions are guided by district policies, student safety, family communication, and fairness.
    • Resident: Student remains enrolled.
    • Non-Resident: The family may choose to have the student remain enrolled as a tuition-paying student, or the student must transfer to the district of actual residence. The district provides support for either option, including record transfer and enrollment coordination.

1,700+ Red Arrow Pointing Down Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images  - iStockSTEP 5: NOTIFICATION & APPEALS

  • The Superintendent of Schools issues a written determination to the family, clearly stating whether the student has been deemed a resident or non-resident.
  • Families determined to be non-resident have the right to appeal the superintendent’s decision to the Board of Education.
    • Appeals must be submitted in writing to the District Clerk, who will present the appeal to the Board.
    • After the Board of Education reviews the appeal, the District Clerk communicates the Board’s decision to the family.

1,700+ Red Arrow Pointing Down Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images  - iStockSTEP 6: RECORD-KEEPING & COMPLIANCE

  • All steps, attendance reviews, and contact attempts are documented.
  • The process follows privacy laws, Education Law §3202, and the New York State Commissioner of Education’s Regulations.