Spokane Schools Expanded Transport for Fire Victims

The district is assisting students displaced by the Old Trails fire through an existing support program.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Special Education

Spokane Schools Expanded Transport for Fire Victims

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Should your local school district expand transportation services for students displaced by emergency events?

Spokane Public Schools has expanded transportation services to support 80 students displaced by the Old Trails fire. These students are currently accessing the McKinney-Vento transportation program to maintain school attendance despite their displacement.

Why it matters

The Old Trails fire caused significant displacement of families, necessitating a swift expansion of district transportation support to ensure students retain access to their education. By utilizing an existing program, the district has managed to stabilize attendance for impacted households.

A total of 80 fire-impacted students are now utilizing the McKinney-Vento program for transit. Affected students are currently enrolled at Balboa Elementary, Indian Trail Elementary, Flett Middle School, and Shadle Park High School.

The players

Spokane Public Schools

This is the primary school district serving students and families in Spokane, Washington.

The details

Spokane Public Schools is partnering with regional districts to transport students who have relocated to areas such as Deer Park, Airway Heights, and East Valley. While many displaced families remain within Spokane County, the district is coordinating complex logistics to keep students at their original schools.

October 2026 marked the expansion of transportation support for students displaced by the fire.

Roadmap

This effort highlights how the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act serves as a vital safety net for educational continuity during community crises. By leveraging established federal support structures, local districts can pivot quickly to accommodate sudden student displacement caused by natural disasters.

Families affected by the Old Trails fire can utilize the McKinney-Vento program to ensure their children continue attending their home schools despite temporary relocation. This service minimizes the disruption to the daily learning routines of students currently living in areas like Deer Park or Airway Heights.

The takeaway

Maintaining school stability is a critical component of disaster recovery for students and their families. Proactive coordination between school districts can effectively mitigate the academic consequences of sudden displacement.