The Bernie R-XIII School District is committed to supporting students in foster care by promoting educational stability, academic success, and social-emotional well-being. Students placed in foster care often experience transitions that can impact school performance, attendance, transportation, relationships, and access to educational services. Our district works collaboratively with families, foster parents, Children’s Division caseworkers, juvenile offices, and community agencies to help ensure students receive the support and continuity they need to succeed in school.
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a student is considered to be in foster care when they are placed away from their parents or guardians by the Children’s Division or a court order. Foster care placements may include:
Foster family homes
Relative or kinship placements
Group homes
Residential treatment facilities
Emergency shelters or other state-supervised placements
Students in foster care have specific educational rights designed to reduce disruptions in learning and maintain school stability whenever possible.
The Bernie R-XIII School District strives to:
Maintain school stability and minimize educational disruption
Coordinate transportation when students remain in their school of origin
Facilitate timely enrollment and transfer of records
Support attendance, academic progress, and graduation planning
Collaborate with outside agencies and caregivers
Provide access to counseling, intervention services, and educational resources
Ensure compliance with federal and state foster care requirements
For questions regarding students placed in foster care, please contact the district Foster Care Point of Contact:
La Shun Rutledge
School Social Worker
Bernie R-XIII School District
Phone: (573) 293-5334 ext. 230
Email: rutledgel@bernie.k12.mo.us
Mrs. Rutledge serves as the district liaison for foster care services and assists with enrollment, school stability, transportation coordination, communication between agencies, and connecting students and caregivers with available supports and resources.