In certain situations, a student may be living with or being cared for by a non-custodial caregiver (such as a relative or other responsible adult) when a parent or legal guardian is not available to make educational decisions.

When this does NOT qualify for a student assignment

If a parent or legal guardian is locally available and able to make educational decisions, a non-custodial caregiving arrangement does not qualify for a student assignment based on caregiver status.
In these cases, the parent or legal guardian must complete all enrollment, assignment, or transfer requests.

Who can make educational decisions?

Rapid City Area Schools requires a student assignment for a non-custodial caregiver to make educational decisions on behalf of a student. This may include:

• Placement requests

• Enrollment or withdrawal decisions

• Transfers or open enrollment requests

• Access to student records

• Consent for educational services

Please complete the Student Assignment Form and email it to Cara Bento and Sharon Ryan along with required documentation (listed below).

Required Documentation

When a parent or legal guardian is not available, the caregiver must provide documentation showing authority to make educational decisions, such as:

• Court orders granting custodial or educational authority

• Legal guardianship papers

• Power of Attorney for educational decisions

• Caregiver Authorization Affidavit or similar legal documentation

Documentation must clearly state the caregiver’s authority and be current.

Temporary Caregiving Situations

For temporary arrangements, documentation must:

• Identify the length of time the caregiver has authority

• Be valid at the time of submission

Updated documentation may be required if circumstances change.

Review and Approval

All documentation is reviewed by district administration before approving:

• Student assignment requests

• Enrollment or placement actions

Approval is subject to verification of authority and compliance with district policies and the Board of Education.

Questions or assistance?

For questions about documentation or student placement, please contact the Educational Services Office.

📞 Educational Services Office: 605-394-4037