If your child needs to transfer to a different school district in Oregon—even outside of the usual deadlines—there’s a path available for families facing challenges. It’s called a Hardship Request for Inter-district Transfer, and it’s designed to help in situations where staying in the current school isn’t what's best for your child.
What Is a Hardship Transfer?
Oregon has a special rule (OAR 581-021-0019) that allows school districts to approve transfers at any time if your family is dealing with a significant hardship. This option is especially helpful if your previous transfer requests have been denied or if you're in a situation where waiting isn't possible.
What Qualifies as a Hardship?
The law outlines several situations where a hardship request is appropriate:
Medical OR Emotional Needs: Your child has a condition that requires support the current district can’t provide.
Bullying or Safety Concerns: Your child is experiencing harassment or unsafe conditions that are affecting their ability to learn.
Family Crisis: There has been a major event like a death in the family, serious illness, or sudden loss of income.
Housing Instability or Homelessness: You’ve had to move or are experiencing homelessness, and transferring schools would help keep your child’s education on track.
Foster Care or Unsafe Childcare: Your child is in foster care, or you don’t have access to safe, reliable childcare in your district.
Military Deployment: A parent or guardian has been deployed or relocated for military service.
If your family is dealing with something not listed here but still causing serious disruption to your child’s well-being, it’s still worth asking—the law gives districts flexibility to help in many situations.
Why This Matters
A hardship request gives you a strong, immediate path to transferring—no need to wait for standard enrollment periods. If you can show that a true hardship exists, the district is expected to take it seriously.
How to Make a Strong Case
Gather Documentation: If you can, collect letters or records from doctors, school counselors, social workers, or other professionals who can confirm the situation.
Talk to the Right People: Reach out directly to your school district’s superintendent or the person in charge of transfer decisions.
Advocate for Your Child: Be clear that you’re requesting a transfer to protect your child’s safety, stability, or emotional well-being. That’s exactly what this law is meant to support.
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