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Students Asked To Prove Where They Live

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ― The school year has just begun and some Baltimore County students are being asked to prove that they live in the district.

Gigi Barnett explains school leaders want to crack down on students who belong to other school districts.

Baltimore County school leaders say students crossing over into their districts has been a problem for years.  This school year, they're cutting down on it and asking all sixth and ninth graders to prove they live in the school district.

"For many years, we've been hearing from our communities that there is concern out there who are attending Baltimore County schools who are not legitimate students.  They're not members of that community," said Charles Herndon.

Herndon is the spokesman for Baltimore County schools.  He says some students belong to other school districts and that some students live in Baltimore County but aren't attending their neighborhood school.  He says students who can't prove that they belong to the school they attend will be asked to leave. 

The deadline is Friday.

"This is one more way for us to be able to know who is in our schools and to verify who is in the classroom attending those classes," Herndon said.

Parents have several options to show proof of residency.  A deed or rental agreement with the proper address will work.  They'll also accept income tax returns, a letter from a current employer, utility and cable bills and even a voter's registration card.

"I think it gets a little old.  You feel like you have to explain yourself, where you live, and that gets on my nerves," said Stephanie Ayers.

But Ayers was able to show Dumbarton Middle School, which is right on the county/city line, is the proper neighborhood school for her son.  She's fine with other students jumping district lines, even if it costs county taxpayers extra dollars.

"I know how difficult it is and how overcrowded some schools are and I really feel that certain people deserve a chance," she said.

But other parents say rules are rules and they want a crackdown.

"I feel like everyone is entitled to an education but I think it should be the proper education.  If you live somewhere, then you should get it from that area," said Latonya Holloway.

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