| Medina City Schools |
| Bylaws & Policies |
5111.01 - HOMELESS STUDENTS
Children who meet the Federal definition of "homeless" will be provided a free and appropriate public education in the same manner as all other students of the District.
To that end, homeless students will not be stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless and will be assigned to the school serving those non-homeless students residing in the area in which the homeless child is actually living. No homeless student will be denied enrollment based on a lack of proof of residency. No Board policy, administrative guideline, or practice will be interpreted or applied in such a way as to inhibit the enrollment, attendance, or school success of homeless children.Homeless students will be provided services comparable to other students in the District including:
| A. | transportation services; | |
| B. | educational services for which the homeless student meets eligibility criteria including services provided under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act or similar State and local programs, educational programs for children with disabilities, and educational programs for students with limited English proficiency; | |
| C. | programs in vocational and technical education; | |
| D. | programs for gifted and talented students; and | |
| E. | school nutrition programs. |
The Superintendent will appoint a Liaison for Homeless Children who will perform the duties as assigned by the Superintendent. Additionally, the Liaison will coordinate and collaborate with the State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth as well as with community and school personnel responsible for the provision of education and related services to homeless children and youths.
ENROLLMENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION
GENERAL GUIDELINES
| A. | Disputes should be resolved at the District level rather than the school level. | |
| B. | The dispute resolution process should be as informal and accessible as possible allowing for impartial and complete review. | |
| C. | Parents, guardians and unaccompanied youth should be able to initiate the resolution process directly at the school they choose, as well as at the District Local Education Association homeless liaison's office. | |
| D. | Parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth should be informed that they can provide written or oral documentation to support their views. | |
| E. | Students are to be provided with all services for which they are eligible while the disputes are being resolved. | |
| F. | Written documentation should be complete, as brief as possible, simply stated and provided in a language the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth can understand. |
RESOLUTION PROCESS
Should a dispute arise over school selection or enrollment in a school the following procedures is to be followed:
| A. | The LEA shall provide the parent or guardian with a written explanation of the school's decision regarding school selection or enrollment. | |
| B. | The LEA shall inform the parent or guardian in writing of their right to appeal the decision. | |
| C. | Should the dispute continue the LEA shall refer the parent or guardian to the local LEA liaison who shall review the complaint and issue an opinion in writing to the parent or guardian. | |
| D. | Should the dispute continue the LEA liaison shall assist the parties involved in presenting the situation to the Ohio Department of Education homeless education coordinator. | |
| E. | The State homeless education coordinator shall recommend a decision for distribution to the parent, local Superintendent and local educational agency liaison. | |
| F. | Should the dispute continue the final appeal is made to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for review and disposition. |
42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.
Adopted 3/20/06
Revised 5/19/08