PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

SURROGATE PARENT PROGRAM

Pursuant to the requirement of state law 162.997-999 RSMo, the State Board of Education is required to appoint a surrogate parent at such time as it becomes evident that a child with a disability does not have a parent or a person acting as a parent to participate in matters dealing with the provision of special education. For purposes of surrogate parent appointment, “parent” is defined as a biological parent, a guardian, or a person acting as a parent of a child including, but not limited to, a grandparent, a step-parent, or a foster parent with whom the child lives. The term does not include the State if the child is a ward of the State. The term does not include a person whose parental rights have been terminated.

The Southern Boone County R-1 School District is given the responsibility to determine when a child with a disability who requires special education and who resides in the District is without a parent. The District will notify the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) of the need to appoint a surrogate parent. Training for persons serving as surrogate parents will be provided by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the District.

If you are interested in volunteering to serve as a surrogate parent, more information can be obtained from the Special Services Coordinator at Southern Boone County R-1 Schools at (573) 657-2145.