The following do not affect a student’s eligibility to enroll in school:
- Physical condition of housing or compliance with local housing ordinances or terms of lease.
- Immigration/visa status, except for students holding or seeking a visa (F-1) issued specifically for the purpose of limited study on a tuition basis in a United States public secondary school.
- Absence of a certified copy of birth certificate or other proof of a student’s identity, although these must be provided within 30 days of initial enrollment, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-25.1.
- Absence of student medical information, although actual attendance at school may be deferred as necessary in compliance with rules regarding immunization of students, N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.1 et seq.
- Absence of a student’s prior educational record, although the initial educational placement of the student may be subject to revision upon receipt of records or further assessment by the district.
The following forms of documentation may demonstrate a student’s eligibility for enrollment in the district. Particular documentation necessary to demonstrate eligibility under specific provisions in law will be indicated in the appropriate section of the registration form.
- Property tax bills, deeds, contracts of sale, leases, mortgages, signed letters from landlords and other evidence of property ownership, tenancy or residency.
- Voter registrations, licenses, permits, financial account information, utility bills, delivery receipts, and other evidence of personal attachment to a particular location.
- Court orders, State agency agreements and other evidence of court or agency placements or directives.
- Receipts, bills, canceled checks and other evidence of expenditures demonstrating personal attachment to a particular location, or, where applicable, to support of the student.
- Medical reports, counselor or social worker assessments, employment documents, benefit statements, and other evidence of circumstances demonstrating, where applicable, family or economic hardship, or temporary residency.
- Affidavits, certifications and sworn attestations pertaining to statutory criteria for school attendance, from the parent, legal guardian, person keeping an “affidavit student,” adult student, person(s) with whom a family is living, or others, as appropriate.
- Documents pertaining to military status and assignment.
- Any business record or document issued by a governmental entity.
- Any other form of documentation relevant to demonstrating entitlement to attend school.
The totality of information and documentation you offer will be considered in evaluating an application, and, unless expressly required by law, the student will not be denied enrollment based on your inability to provide certain form(s) of documentation where other acceptable evidence is presented.
You will not be asked for any information or document protected from disclosure by law, or pertaining to criteria which are not legitimate bases for determining eligibility to attend school. You may voluntarily disclose any document or information you believe will help establish that the student meets the requirements of law for entitlement to attend school in the district, but we may not, directly or indirectly, require or request:
- Income tax returns;
- Documentation or information relating to citizenship or immigration/visa status, unless the student holds or is applying for an F-1 visa;
- Documentation or information relating to compliance with local housing ordinances or conditions of tenancy;
- Social security numbers.
Any determination of the student’s eligibility to attend school in this district is subject to more thorough review and subsequent re-evaluation. Tuition may be assessed in the event that an initially admitted student is found ineligible. If your student is found ineligible, now or later, you will be provided the reasons for our decision and instructions on how to appeal.
Furthermore, all families registered in to Secaucus Public Schools are subject to visitation by the district’s Residency Officer. This individual will identify him or herself, have official photo identification, and may visit homes on weekdays, weekends, as early as 6:00 a.m. or as late as 9:00 p.m.
If you experience difficulties with the enrollment process, please contact:
Jennifer Montesano
Superintendent of Schools
Secaucus Board of Education
685 Fifth Street
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Or call: 201-974-2000.