Williston, N.D. (AP) Schools in North Dakota's oil country have seen an increase in the number of students who are deemed homeless under federal regulations.
Williston Public School District No. 1 has 123 students considered homeless, while the new Public School District No. 8 in Williston has 115 students, 33 percent of the student body, who fall under that category.
Students are deemed homeless under federal law when they "lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.'' students living in motels, hotels, trailer parks and campgrounds are considered homeless.
Steve Holt is the superintendent of McKenzie County School District No. 1, which has 375 homeless students. Holt says the number of homeless students is a direct correlation to the oil patch's lack of housing.