Request a Hardship

Does My Student Qualify for a Hardship Placement?

Although rarely granted, hardship placement requests may be considered for the following circumstances:

• Medical needs affecting the student or family
• Judicial or court-related decisions
• Extreme childcare or daycare circumstances

Supporting Documentation must be submitted with all requests

How Do I Request a Hardship Placement?

To request a hardship placement:

1. Submit a written request to the Director of Student Services and Transportation describing the hardship.
2. Include documentation that supports the hardship request.
3. Submit all required materials for review by the Hardship Review Team.

How Are Hardship Placement Requests Reviewed?

A Hardship Placement Review Team evaluates all submitted requests and supporting documentation.

The review team may include:

• The principal, assistant principal, or designee from the student’s assigned neighborhood school
• The principal, assistant principal, or designee from the requested school
• The Director of Student Services and Transportation
• The Nurse Manager, when applicable 
• The caregiver requesting the hardship placement, if additional information is needed 

The decision of the Hardship Placement Review Team is final and cannot be appealed.

What Happens if a Hardship Placement is Approved?

 Approved hardship placements are subject to the following conditions:

• Students who live within a school’s attendance zone are prioritized for enrollment at their neighborhood school
• Schools cannot exceed planned operating capacity or contractual class size limits
• Caregivers are responsible for providing transportation to and from school
• Students must continue meeting district attendance and behavior expectations.

Once approved, a student may remain at the placement school until the hardship condition no longer exists or the hardship placement is revoked.

Can a Hardship Placement Be Revoked?

Taunton Public Schools may revoke a hardship placement during the school year if:

• School enrollment or class size limits are exceeded
• Transportation arrangements are not maintained
• Attendance or behavior expectations are not met