Regarding residency-3/23/2009
From: Dr. John Bierwirth, Herricks Public Schools
Date: March 23, 2009
Re: Weekly Article
I have written a number of articles over the past two years regarding residency. In light of a number of recent conversations, it seems time to underscore the importance of this issue and once again ask for the assistance of everyone in the community.
No one is allowed to register a new student in Herricks until they have provided at least three, and often more, proofs of residence. During the course of the registration process, we emphasize that it is where the adults and children in the family live, not simply whether they own or rent property in the district. At the end of the process, they sign a form which includes the following statement:
I certify, under penalty of law, that the above statements are true. I further certify that I do not maintain a residence outside the boundaries of the Herricks School District. I understand that if the above mentioned child(ren) is (are) found not to be a legitimate resident(s) of the Herricks Union Free School District that I WILL BE LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR AND WILL PAY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S ANNUAL TUITION RATE OF APPROXIMATELY $14,000 PER YEAR PER CHILD RETROACTIVE TO THE FIRST DAY OF ADMISSION. I also realize that theft of governmental services is a crime punishable under the State Penal Law and that a false statement made in connection with this application will make me liable to criminal prosecution. I further understand that it is my responsibility to notify the school district if I change my residence.
I have been informed that the school district may make unannounced home visits for the purpose of residence verification.
I have read and understand the above. [] Yes
If a family enrolling a child is not the owner of the home but someone, such as a daughter and her child(ren) living with grandparents, the grandparents are also asked to sign a form indicating that they accept legal responsibility.
I understand that if the above mention child(ren) is (are) found not to be a legal resident(s) of the Herricks Union Free School District I WILL BE LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR AND WILL PAY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S ANNUAL TUITION RATE OF APPROXIMATELY $14,000 PER YEAR, PER CHILD, RETROACTIVE TO THE FIRST DAY OF ADMISSION. I also realize that theft of governmental services is a crime punishable under the State Penal Law and that a false statement made in connection with this application will make me liable to criminal prosecution. I have been informed that the school district will make unannounced home visits for purposes of residency verification.
While we have a great deal of sympathy for families with students receiving a sub-standard education, it is not the responsibility of the Herricks community to educate their children. The Herricks community (Herricks taxpayers) is only responsible for educating the children of families who actually live in the district.
If you are aware of someone who is not a resident but is sending their children to our schools, we ask that you provide us with that information. We will investigate and determine whether, in fact, someone is cheating. Tips may be made anonymously by phone (305-8901) or e-mail (jbierwirth@herricks.org). Should we find that someone is cheating, we will pursue collection of tuition by all appropriate legal means.
