Webster Parish School Board
Webster Parish School Board NCLB, TITLE I 1442 SHEPPARD STREET MINDEN, LA 71055
YOLANDA PALMER., DIRECTOR PHONE: (318) 377-7052
FAX: (318) 371-2834
2016-2017 Webster Parish Homeless Policies and Procedures The Webster Parish Title I Homeless Education Program will ensure that the following guidelines will be adhered to: The Webster Parish School Board in accordance with state law will immediately enroll students in homeless situations even if they do not have required documents, such as school records, medical records, proof of residency, legal guardianship, and other documents. The term “enroll” is defined as attending classes and participating fully in school activities. Students are eligible to enroll in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area are eligible to attend, or in their school of origin. Webster Parish School Board will keep homeless students in their schools of origin, to the extent feasible, unless it is against the parent’s or guardian’s wishes. Students are permitted to remain in their schools of origin for the duration of their homelessness or until the end of any academic year in which they move into permanent housing. “School of Origin” is defined as the school that the child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled. Transportation will be provided to the school of origin, at the request of the parent or guardian, or, in the case of an unaccompanied child or youth, at the request of the district’s Homeless Liaison. Title I funds may NOT be used for this purpose. The Webster Parish School Board Homeless Liaison shall ensure that parents, guardians, caretakers, and unaccompanied youth are fully informed of all transportation services, including to the school of origin, and are assisted in accessing transportation service. The Webster Parish School Board will review and revise any policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youth in schools. In reviewing and revising such policies, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records, other documentation, and guardianship.
An unaccompanied youth is any youth who is not currently in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian. Unaccompanied youth have the same rights as other students experiencing homelessness to enroll in, attend, and succeed in public school, including the rights to: remain at their school of origin to the extent feasible or attend any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend, attend classes and participate fully in school activities immediately, even if they do not have a parent or guardian to enroll them or have required documents, such as school records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documents. be free from segregation, isolation, and stigmatization, have comparable access to school meals, English language services, vocational and technical education, gifted and talented services, special education, and Title I services, and have disputes resolved promptly but attend school while disputes are pending (within 5 days, see Bulletin 741, Section 341, section F). A Caregiver Authorization Form may be used to obtain information relevant to the child’s current living situation and medical information. If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment in a school, the child or youth shall be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought pending resolution of the dispute. In accordance with state law, the parent, guardian, caretaker, or unaccompanied youth shall be provided with a written explanation of the school’s decision regarding school selection or enrollment, including the rights of the parent, guardian, or youth to appeal the decision. The Webster Parish School Board Homeless Liaison will ensure that homeless children and youth are identified, enrolled, and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in schools. Homeless families, children, and youth shall receive eligible educational services including Head Start and Even Start programs, preschools, and referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services, and other appropriate services. Parents, guardians, or caretakers of homeless children and youth are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children. Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youth is disseminated where such children and youth receive services under this Act, such as schools and family shelters. In addition to the above, to ensure all homeless students are being identified and tracked appropriately, the Webster Parish School Board shall: include the Louisiana Residency Questionnaire in all district enrollment packets complete the Title X, Part C Referral Form for each child or youth referred to the Homeless Program to assess the needs of homeless students inform parents, guardians, or youth of educational rights including school of origin and transportation include in the individual student folders, maintained by the LEA’s Homeless Liaison, the following information: Louisiana Residency Questionnaire – identifies homeless students Title X, Part C Referral Form-assesses the needs of homeless students.
Homeless Dispute Resolution The No Child Left Behind Title X, Part C, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act acknowledges that disputes may arise between the school district and homeless students/parents/guardians when the student is denied enrollment in school or is placed in a school other than the one requested by students/parents/guardians. The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is to ensure that homeless students enroll in school immediately and continue their education with as little disruption as possible. The Webster Parish School Board dispute resolution process follows the guidelines set forth in the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act and in accordance with The Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Section 341, which is available online at the following website address: http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/lac/28v115/28v115.doc. This bulletin contains detailed procedures established for resolving complaints filed against the Department of Education or a local education agency pursuant to provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 20 U.S.C. 6301, et. seq. (ESEA). In accordance with The No Child Left Behind, Title X, Part C, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, (1) If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment, the child/youth must be immediately enrolled in the school in which he/she is seeking enrollment, pending the resolution of the dispute (five days). The dispute process may be initiated by the parent/guardian, unaccompanied youth, principal, or other school officials. (2) The parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth must be referred to the Homeless Liaison, provided a written explanation of the school’s decision to deny enrollment or school selection, and the rights of homeless parents/ guardians/unaccompanied youth, including the right to appeal any school district decision. (3) When the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth is referred to the Homeless Liaison, the Homeless Liaison will carry out the dispute resolution process within a reasonable amount of time. (4) After reviewing pertinent information related to the dispute, the Homeless Liaison shall provide the parent with a decision in writing within five (5) days of the receipt of the written complaint. (5) If the written resolution is not acceptable to the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth, the Homeless Liaison will forward the dispute to the State Homeless Coordinator.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
MEMO 2016-2017 Webster Parish Policy for Homeless Students In accordance with Title X, Part C, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the Webster Parish School Board shall provide a free appropriate public education, including preschool education, to any homeless child or youth within the jurisdiction of the School Board. For the purpose of this policy, the term homeless includes an individual who lacks a fixed, regular or adequate residence; or has a primary nighttime residence in a shelter, an institution providing temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; or is sharing the housing of other persons. The term does not include any individual imprisoned or adjudicated. Homeless students requesting enrollment will be placed in school immediately, even if required registration documents are unavailable. School documents needed should be requested after the student has been enrolled. There will be no barriers to homeless children and youth entering school. An unaccompanied youth is any youth who is not currently in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian. Unaccompanied youth have the same rights as other students experiencing homelessness to enroll in, attend, and succeed in public school, including the rights to: remain at their school of origin to the extent feasible or attend any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend, attend classes and participate fully in school activities immediately, even if they do not have a parent or guardian to enroll them or have required documents, such as school records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documents, be free from segregation, isolation, and stigmatization, have comparable access to school meals, English language services, vocational and technical education, gifted and talented services, special education, and Title I services, and have disputes resolved promptly but attend school while disputes are pending (within 5 days, see Bulletin 741, Section 341, section F). A Caregiver Authorization Form may be used to obtain information relevant to the child’s current living situation and medical information.
In addition to the above, to ensure all homeless students are being identified and tracked appropriately, the Webster Parish School Board shall: include the Louisiana Residency Questionnaire in all district enrollment packets. complete the Title X, Part C Referral Form for each child or youth referred to the Homeless Program to assess the needs of homeless students inform parents, guardians, or youth of educational rights including school of origin. include in the individual student folders, maintained by the LEA’s Homeless Liaison, the following information: Louisiana Residency Questionnaire – identifies homeless students Title X, Part C Referral Form-assesses the needs of homeless students. maintain and have immediately available, any records ordinarily kept by the school of each homeless child or youth (immunization records, academic records, birth certificates, guardianship records, evaluations for special services or programs, etc.). Students meeting the definition of homeless will not be denied entry into a school due to the lack of records or documentation normally required for entry into a school. continue the education of homeless children or youth in the school of origin for the remainder of the academic year, or for the following academic year if the family becomes homeless between academic years, or enroll the child or youth in any school in which other students living in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually residing are eligible to attend, whichever is in their best interest. ensure school placement of the homeless child or youth according to the School Board's admission policy. provide services comparable to services offered to other students in the school of attendance, including transportation services, educational services for which the child or youth meets the eligibility criteria (Title I programs, special education, limited English proficiency), programs in vocational education, programs for the gifted and talented, and school meals programs. designate a homeless liaison to coordinate services and ensure that there are no barriers to the enrollment, transportation, attendance, and success in school for homeless children and youth. Additionally, the homeless liaison will promptly solve disputes regarding educational placement.
Ref: 42 U.S.C. 11431, Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; Plyler v. Doe 457 U.S. 202 (1982); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 17:151.3, 17:221, 17:221.2, 17:222, 17:235.1, 17:238, 17:416; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.
2016-2017 Webster Parish District Dispute Resolution Process Policy The No Child Left Behind, Title X, Part C, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act acknowledges that disputes may arise between the school district and homeless students/parents/guardians when the student is denied enrollment in school or is placed in a school other than the one requested by students/parents/guardians. The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is to ensure that homeless students enroll in school immediately and continue their education with as little disruption as possible. The Webster Parish District Dispute Resolution Process follows the guidelines set forth in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and in accordance with The Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Section 341, which is available online at the following website address: http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/lac/28v115/28v115.doc. This bulletin contains detailed procedures established for resolving complaints filed against the Department of Education or a local education agency pursuant to provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 20 U.S.C. 6301, et. seq. (ESEA). The following process will be used in a case where a dispute occurs regarding the education of a homeless child or youth. Dispute Resolution Process (1) If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment, the child/youth must be immediately enrolled in the school in which he/she is seeking enrollment, pending the resolution of the dispute (five days). The dispute process may be initiated by the parent/guardian, unaccompanied youth, principal, or other school officials. (2) The parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth must be referred to the Homeless Liaison, provided a written explanation of the school’s decision to deny enrollment or school selection and the rights of Homeless parents/guardians/unaccompanied youth, including the right to appeal any school district decision. (3) When the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth is referred to the Homeless Liaison, the liaison will carry out the dispute resolution process within a reasonable amount of time. (4) After reviewing pertinent information related to the dispute, the Homeless Liaison shall provide the parent with a decision in writing within five (5) days of the receipt of the written complaint. (5) If the written resolution is not acceptable to the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth, the Homeless Liaison will forward the dispute to the State Homeless Coordinator.
*Dispute Resolution Process Forms are included.
2016-2017 Louisiana Department of Education Complaint Procedures For The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
If the Webster Parish Title I Program is not providing services in accordance with state and federal regulations, a parent may file a complaint in accordance with The Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Section 341, which is available online at the following website address: http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/lac/28v115/28v115.doc. Parents may also request a copy of this bulletin by calling the Department’s toll-free number 1-877-453-2721. This bulletin contains detailed procedures established for resolving complaints filed against the Department of Education or a local education agency pursuant to provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 20 U.S.C. §6301, et. seq. (ESEA).
Summarized from the above handbook, complaints to the Louisiana Department of Education must (1) be in writing and (2) describe a violation of the law or a violation of federal statutes or regulations.
The written complaint must include:
A statement of the violation of a requirement of a pertinent federal statute or regulation; The facts on which the statement is based, including the name of the local education agency; A proposed solution for the problem; The parent’s signature and contact information; Only violations occurring within the past year.
A parent is notified when a complaint has been received by the Department, and complaints will be resolved within 60 days of receiving the complaint, unless the timeline has been extended. The parent will receive a written decision addressing each violation and will also be informed of the right to request that the Secretary of the United States Department of Education review the decision made by the Louisiana Department of Education.
2016-2017 Webster Parish Official Homeless Dispute Initial Dispute Form When a dispute arises over enrollment or school selection, this form must be completed by the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth/principal/school officials and forwarded to the District Homeless Liaison within 24 hours ( Mrs. Yolanda Palmer – 318-377-7052). Date Submitted: ________________________
Student Name: _________________________ Student SSN/ID#: _______________________
Person Initiating Dispute: ________________ Relationship to Student: _________________
Contact Numbers: Home _______________________ Work ___________________________
Current School Placement: _____________________ School in Dispute: ________________
You must include a brief written explanation to support your appeal in the space provided:
Signature of person submitting dispute form: _______________________________________
For District Homeless Liaison Office Use Date Received: ________________________________________ Initialed: _______________
2016-2017 Webster Parish Official Homeless Dispute Resolution Form Date Complaint Received _____________________
Student Name: _________________________Social Security/School ID#: ___________________
Current School Placement: _______________ School in Dispute: _________________________
Reason for school selection or enrollment dispute:
_______________________________________________ Signature of Principal/School Official
Date District Homeless Liaison was notified in writing of the dispute: ______________________ Date Parent was notified in writing of the enrollment denial: ______________________________
( ) Copy sent to District Homeless Liaison ( ) Copy given to parent/caregiver/unaccompanied youth
2016-2017 Webster Parish LEA Dispute Resolution - Action Taken Student’s Name _______________________________________ Date ______________ Grade ____________________________ Student Social Security/ID #_______________ Current School Placement: _____________________ School in Dispute: _____________ District Action on Complaint ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Action Taken within ______ school days after receiving notice of the complaint. Did the Homeless Liaison resolve the dispute? ______ Yes ______No If the dispute was resolved, describe the action taken by the Homeless Liaison to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of parent/guardian. ________________________________________________________________________ If dispute was not resolved to the satisfaction of the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth, provide the date that the district homeless liaison convened a meeting of the parties and briefly describe the outcome of this meeting. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Action taken by ____________________ to resolve the dispute (if necessary) LEA ________________________________________________________________________ ____ I agree with this decision. ____ I disagree with this decision. ____ I request an appeal with the State Homeless Coordinator at (225)342-0153 or (877)-453-2721
Comments ______________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian/Unaccompanied Youth Signature _______________________________ Homeless Liaison Signature: ____________________________________________ Copies To: ___ Homeless Liaison
____ Principal
___ Other School Personnel
____ Parent/Guardian/Unaccompanied Youth
___ State Coordinator
YOLANDA PALMER., DIRECTOR PHONE: (318) 377-7052
FAX: (318) 371-2834
2016-2017 Webster Parish Homeless Policies and Procedures The Webster Parish Title I Homeless Education Program will ensure that the following guidelines will be adhered to: The Webster Parish School Board in accordance with state law will immediately enroll students in homeless situations even if they do not have required documents, such as school records, medical records, proof of residency, legal guardianship, and other documents. The term “enroll” is defined as attending classes and participating fully in school activities. Students are eligible to enroll in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area are eligible to attend, or in their school of origin. Webster Parish School Board will keep homeless students in their schools of origin, to the extent feasible, unless it is against the parent’s or guardian’s wishes. Students are permitted to remain in their schools of origin for the duration of their homelessness or until the end of any academic year in which they move into permanent housing. “School of Origin” is defined as the school that the child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled. Transportation will be provided to the school of origin, at the request of the parent or guardian, or, in the case of an unaccompanied child or youth, at the request of the district’s Homeless Liaison. Title I funds may NOT be used for this purpose. The Webster Parish School Board Homeless Liaison shall ensure that parents, guardians, caretakers, and unaccompanied youth are fully informed of all transportation services, including to the school of origin, and are assisted in accessing transportation service. The Webster Parish School Board will review and revise any policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youth in schools. In reviewing and revising such policies, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records, other documentation, and guardianship.
An unaccompanied youth is any youth who is not currently in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian. Unaccompanied youth have the same rights as other students experiencing homelessness to enroll in, attend, and succeed in public school, including the rights to: remain at their school of origin to the extent feasible or attend any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend, attend classes and participate fully in school activities immediately, even if they do not have a parent or guardian to enroll them or have required documents, such as school records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documents. be free from segregation, isolation, and stigmatization, have comparable access to school meals, English language services, vocational and technical education, gifted and talented services, special education, and Title I services, and have disputes resolved promptly but attend school while disputes are pending (within 5 days, see Bulletin 741, Section 341, section F). A Caregiver Authorization Form may be used to obtain information relevant to the child’s current living situation and medical information. If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment in a school, the child or youth shall be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought pending resolution of the dispute. In accordance with state law, the parent, guardian, caretaker, or unaccompanied youth shall be provided with a written explanation of the school’s decision regarding school selection or enrollment, including the rights of the parent, guardian, or youth to appeal the decision. The Webster Parish School Board Homeless Liaison will ensure that homeless children and youth are identified, enrolled, and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in schools. Homeless families, children, and youth shall receive eligible educational services including Head Start and Even Start programs, preschools, and referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services, and other appropriate services. Parents, guardians, or caretakers of homeless children and youth are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children. Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youth is disseminated where such children and youth receive services under this Act, such as schools and family shelters. In addition to the above, to ensure all homeless students are being identified and tracked appropriately, the Webster Parish School Board shall: include the Louisiana Residency Questionnaire in all district enrollment packets complete the Title X, Part C Referral Form for each child or youth referred to the Homeless Program to assess the needs of homeless students inform parents, guardians, or youth of educational rights including school of origin and transportation include in the individual student folders, maintained by the LEA’s Homeless Liaison, the following information: Louisiana Residency Questionnaire – identifies homeless students Title X, Part C Referral Form-assesses the needs of homeless students.
Homeless Dispute Resolution The No Child Left Behind Title X, Part C, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act acknowledges that disputes may arise between the school district and homeless students/parents/guardians when the student is denied enrollment in school or is placed in a school other than the one requested by students/parents/guardians. The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is to ensure that homeless students enroll in school immediately and continue their education with as little disruption as possible. The Webster Parish School Board dispute resolution process follows the guidelines set forth in the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act and in accordance with The Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Section 341, which is available online at the following website address: http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/lac/28v115/28v115.doc. This bulletin contains detailed procedures established for resolving complaints filed against the Department of Education or a local education agency pursuant to provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 20 U.S.C. 6301, et. seq. (ESEA). In accordance with The No Child Left Behind, Title X, Part C, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, (1) If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment, the child/youth must be immediately enrolled in the school in which he/she is seeking enrollment, pending the resolution of the dispute (five days). The dispute process may be initiated by the parent/guardian, unaccompanied youth, principal, or other school officials. (2) The parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth must be referred to the Homeless Liaison, provided a written explanation of the school’s decision to deny enrollment or school selection, and the rights of homeless parents/ guardians/unaccompanied youth, including the right to appeal any school district decision. (3) When the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth is referred to the Homeless Liaison, the Homeless Liaison will carry out the dispute resolution process within a reasonable amount of time. (4) After reviewing pertinent information related to the dispute, the Homeless Liaison shall provide the parent with a decision in writing within five (5) days of the receipt of the written complaint. (5) If the written resolution is not acceptable to the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth, the Homeless Liaison will forward the dispute to the State Homeless Coordinator.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
MEMO 2016-2017 Webster Parish Policy for Homeless Students In accordance with Title X, Part C, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the Webster Parish School Board shall provide a free appropriate public education, including preschool education, to any homeless child or youth within the jurisdiction of the School Board. For the purpose of this policy, the term homeless includes an individual who lacks a fixed, regular or adequate residence; or has a primary nighttime residence in a shelter, an institution providing temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; or is sharing the housing of other persons. The term does not include any individual imprisoned or adjudicated. Homeless students requesting enrollment will be placed in school immediately, even if required registration documents are unavailable. School documents needed should be requested after the student has been enrolled. There will be no barriers to homeless children and youth entering school. An unaccompanied youth is any youth who is not currently in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian. Unaccompanied youth have the same rights as other students experiencing homelessness to enroll in, attend, and succeed in public school, including the rights to: remain at their school of origin to the extent feasible or attend any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend, attend classes and participate fully in school activities immediately, even if they do not have a parent or guardian to enroll them or have required documents, such as school records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documents, be free from segregation, isolation, and stigmatization, have comparable access to school meals, English language services, vocational and technical education, gifted and talented services, special education, and Title I services, and have disputes resolved promptly but attend school while disputes are pending (within 5 days, see Bulletin 741, Section 341, section F). A Caregiver Authorization Form may be used to obtain information relevant to the child’s current living situation and medical information.
In addition to the above, to ensure all homeless students are being identified and tracked appropriately, the Webster Parish School Board shall: include the Louisiana Residency Questionnaire in all district enrollment packets. complete the Title X, Part C Referral Form for each child or youth referred to the Homeless Program to assess the needs of homeless students inform parents, guardians, or youth of educational rights including school of origin. include in the individual student folders, maintained by the LEA’s Homeless Liaison, the following information: Louisiana Residency Questionnaire – identifies homeless students Title X, Part C Referral Form-assesses the needs of homeless students. maintain and have immediately available, any records ordinarily kept by the school of each homeless child or youth (immunization records, academic records, birth certificates, guardianship records, evaluations for special services or programs, etc.). Students meeting the definition of homeless will not be denied entry into a school due to the lack of records or documentation normally required for entry into a school. continue the education of homeless children or youth in the school of origin for the remainder of the academic year, or for the following academic year if the family becomes homeless between academic years, or enroll the child or youth in any school in which other students living in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually residing are eligible to attend, whichever is in their best interest. ensure school placement of the homeless child or youth according to the School Board's admission policy. provide services comparable to services offered to other students in the school of attendance, including transportation services, educational services for which the child or youth meets the eligibility criteria (Title I programs, special education, limited English proficiency), programs in vocational education, programs for the gifted and talented, and school meals programs. designate a homeless liaison to coordinate services and ensure that there are no barriers to the enrollment, transportation, attendance, and success in school for homeless children and youth. Additionally, the homeless liaison will promptly solve disputes regarding educational placement.
Ref: 42 U.S.C. 11431, Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; Plyler v. Doe 457 U.S. 202 (1982); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 17:151.3, 17:221, 17:221.2, 17:222, 17:235.1, 17:238, 17:416; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.
2016-2017 Webster Parish District Dispute Resolution Process Policy The No Child Left Behind, Title X, Part C, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act acknowledges that disputes may arise between the school district and homeless students/parents/guardians when the student is denied enrollment in school or is placed in a school other than the one requested by students/parents/guardians. The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is to ensure that homeless students enroll in school immediately and continue their education with as little disruption as possible. The Webster Parish District Dispute Resolution Process follows the guidelines set forth in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and in accordance with The Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Section 341, which is available online at the following website address: http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/lac/28v115/28v115.doc. This bulletin contains detailed procedures established for resolving complaints filed against the Department of Education or a local education agency pursuant to provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 20 U.S.C. 6301, et. seq. (ESEA). The following process will be used in a case where a dispute occurs regarding the education of a homeless child or youth. Dispute Resolution Process (1) If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment, the child/youth must be immediately enrolled in the school in which he/she is seeking enrollment, pending the resolution of the dispute (five days). The dispute process may be initiated by the parent/guardian, unaccompanied youth, principal, or other school officials. (2) The parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth must be referred to the Homeless Liaison, provided a written explanation of the school’s decision to deny enrollment or school selection and the rights of Homeless parents/guardians/unaccompanied youth, including the right to appeal any school district decision. (3) When the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth is referred to the Homeless Liaison, the liaison will carry out the dispute resolution process within a reasonable amount of time. (4) After reviewing pertinent information related to the dispute, the Homeless Liaison shall provide the parent with a decision in writing within five (5) days of the receipt of the written complaint. (5) If the written resolution is not acceptable to the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth, the Homeless Liaison will forward the dispute to the State Homeless Coordinator.
*Dispute Resolution Process Forms are included.
2016-2017 Louisiana Department of Education Complaint Procedures For The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
If the Webster Parish Title I Program is not providing services in accordance with state and federal regulations, a parent may file a complaint in accordance with The Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Section 341, which is available online at the following website address: http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/lac/28v115/28v115.doc. Parents may also request a copy of this bulletin by calling the Department’s toll-free number 1-877-453-2721. This bulletin contains detailed procedures established for resolving complaints filed against the Department of Education or a local education agency pursuant to provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 20 U.S.C. §6301, et. seq. (ESEA).
Summarized from the above handbook, complaints to the Louisiana Department of Education must (1) be in writing and (2) describe a violation of the law or a violation of federal statutes or regulations.
The written complaint must include:
A statement of the violation of a requirement of a pertinent federal statute or regulation; The facts on which the statement is based, including the name of the local education agency; A proposed solution for the problem; The parent’s signature and contact information; Only violations occurring within the past year.
A parent is notified when a complaint has been received by the Department, and complaints will be resolved within 60 days of receiving the complaint, unless the timeline has been extended. The parent will receive a written decision addressing each violation and will also be informed of the right to request that the Secretary of the United States Department of Education review the decision made by the Louisiana Department of Education.
2016-2017 Webster Parish Official Homeless Dispute Initial Dispute Form When a dispute arises over enrollment or school selection, this form must be completed by the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth/principal/school officials and forwarded to the District Homeless Liaison within 24 hours ( Mrs. Yolanda Palmer – 318-377-7052). Date Submitted: ________________________
Student Name: _________________________ Student SSN/ID#: _______________________
Person Initiating Dispute: ________________ Relationship to Student: _________________
Contact Numbers: Home _______________________ Work ___________________________
Current School Placement: _____________________ School in Dispute: ________________
You must include a brief written explanation to support your appeal in the space provided:
Signature of person submitting dispute form: _______________________________________
For District Homeless Liaison Office Use Date Received: ________________________________________ Initialed: _______________
2016-2017 Webster Parish Official Homeless Dispute Resolution Form Date Complaint Received _____________________
Student Name: _________________________Social Security/School ID#: ___________________
Current School Placement: _______________ School in Dispute: _________________________
Reason for school selection or enrollment dispute:
_______________________________________________ Signature of Principal/School Official
Date District Homeless Liaison was notified in writing of the dispute: ______________________ Date Parent was notified in writing of the enrollment denial: ______________________________
( ) Copy sent to District Homeless Liaison ( ) Copy given to parent/caregiver/unaccompanied youth
2016-2017 Webster Parish LEA Dispute Resolution - Action Taken Student’s Name _______________________________________ Date ______________ Grade ____________________________ Student Social Security/ID #_______________ Current School Placement: _____________________ School in Dispute: _____________ District Action on Complaint ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Action Taken within ______ school days after receiving notice of the complaint. Did the Homeless Liaison resolve the dispute? ______ Yes ______No If the dispute was resolved, describe the action taken by the Homeless Liaison to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of parent/guardian. ________________________________________________________________________ If dispute was not resolved to the satisfaction of the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth, provide the date that the district homeless liaison convened a meeting of the parties and briefly describe the outcome of this meeting. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Action taken by ____________________ to resolve the dispute (if necessary) LEA ________________________________________________________________________ ____ I agree with this decision. ____ I disagree with this decision. ____ I request an appeal with the State Homeless Coordinator at (225)342-0153 or (877)-453-2721
Comments ______________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian/Unaccompanied Youth Signature _______________________________ Homeless Liaison Signature: ____________________________________________ Copies To: ___ Homeless Liaison
____ Principal
___ Other School Personnel
____ Parent/Guardian/Unaccompanied Youth
___ State Coordinator
