Disputes

Disputes

Varying interpretations of homelessness, school placement and Pennsylvania residence laws have led to confusion and in certain instances have prevented homeless learners from enrolling in and attending school. Learners experiencing homelessness have the right to attend either their “school of origin” (i.e. the school that the learner attended when permanently housed or the school in which the learner was last enrolled) or, if that is not in the learner’s best interest (taking into account feasibility and the wishes of the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth), the local school.

Disputes regarding school placement decisions should be promptly resolved, and learners should be enrolled in the school requested while placement disputes are resolved.

Dispute Resolution -

If a dispute arises over eligibility, enrollment or school selection:[6]

1. The parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth shall be referred to the district's liaison, who shall assist in the dispute resolution process.
    
2. The student shall be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending final resolution of the dispute, including all available appeals.
    
3. The district's liaison shall issue a written decision of the dispute within twenty (20) business days of being notified of the dispute.

A parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth may appeal a district's written decision or file a complaint with the Coordinator of Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.