HOMELESS DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS - AMENDED FEBRUARY 2019

Hazelwood School District Homeless Dispute Resolution

Parents/Guardians or unaccompanied students may appeal district decisions regarding eligibility, enrollment, or placement in accordance with the Standard Complaint Resolution Process adopted by DESE. The district will make every effort to resolve complaints or disputes at the district level. The homeless liaison will inform the parent/guardian or unaccompanied student of the district's complaint resolution process when a question or complaint arises concerning the education of a homeless student.

1. If the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied student has a complaint regarding the education of a homeless student, the person (complainant) must notify the homeless liaison. The homeless liaison serves as the intermediary between the homeless student and the school the student attends. The homeless liaison shall provide a copy of or access to the district's policies addressing the education of homeless students and the district's complaint form to the complainant.
   
   
2. The complainant can file a complaint in writing with the homeless liaison. The homeless liaison will provide a written resolution of the dispute or a plan of action within five days of the date the complaint was received by the homeless liaison. The parties may mutually agree to an extension of time; however, every effort should be made to resolve the complaint in the shortest possible time.
   
   
3. If the dispute is not resolved by the homeless liaison, the complainant may file a written complaint with the Superintendent or designee for review. The Superintendent or designee will provide a written resolution or plan of action within five days of the date the complaint was received. The parties may mutually agree to an extension of time; however, every effort should be made to resolve the complaint in the shortest amount of time.
   
   
4. If the dispute is not resolved at the Superintendent level, the complainant may file a written complaint with the Board of Education. The Board will provide a written resolution of the dispute or a plan of action within 30 days of the date the complaint was received by the Board. If the dispute is not resolved by the Board in a manner satisfactory to the complainant, an appeal may be brought to DESE in accordance with the state complaint resolution process, which the homeless liaison will provide to the complainant.

While the dispute process is ongoing, the student in question must be enrolled in school. If the dispute revolves around which school is the school of best interest for the student, the student shall be enrolled at the school to which the parent/guardian or unaccompanied student seeks enrollment while the final resolution of the dispute is pending. The student shall be allowed to fully participate in school activities and receive transportation if requested.

If the parent/guardian or unaccompanied student are English learners, use a native language other than English, or need additional supports due to a disability, the district shall make translators, interpreters or other support services available without charge and in the appropriate language.