By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – State school officials say they're hoping the federal government will help cover some of the costs associated with an influx of out-of-state students. There are now more than 31-hundred children from Louisiana and Mississippi in Alabama's public schools. Hurricane Katrina forced them from their home areas, and educators say they expect even more students to come to the state. Educators say their top priority is making sure the new students are comfortable as they integrate into new classrooms.