REQUIRED Descriptor Code: FDB EDUCATION OF THE HOMELESS STUDENT
Definitions
This policy defines the following:
REQUIRED Descriptor Code: FDB enrolled in their school of origin and transportation must be provided in accordance with
law.
When not feasible for a homeless student to attend their school of origin, as determined by the Superintendent in consultation with the parent, guardian, or student, the student must be placed in a school that is in the “best interest of the student.” The Superintendent must submit such placement decisions to the parent or guardian in writing, along with notice of the right to appeal and a dispute resolution procedure.
Dispute Resolution
To the extent feasible and appropriate, when a dispute arises as to the best interest determination, the District must ensure that a homeless student be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute. The parent, guardian, or student wishing to file an appeal of a determination shall notify the Homeless Student Liaison. The liaison shall follow the dispute resolution procedure created in regulation FDB-BR. The District shall make reasonable efforts to collaborate with aggrieved parties to resolve the dispute at the local level as expeditiously as possible.
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Complementing NDSBA Templates (may contain items not adopted by the Board)
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Definitions
This policy defines the following:
- Enrollment means attending classes and full participation in school activities.
- Full participation means student participation in extracurricular activities, which offers additional opportunities for student engagement and greater motivation for retention. Further, extracurricular participation can open doors to higher education opportunities and scholarships, and build skills and relationships that carry over into students' adult lives.
- Homeless student or unaccompanied youth means an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason. It includes students and youths (preschool-grade 12) who are:
- Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing;
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of
alternative adequate accommodations; - Living in cars, parks, public or private spaces not designed for humans to
live, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus stations, train stations,
or similar settings; - “Doubled up" by living with friends or family; or
- Living in unsuitable conditions, such as lack of utilities, mold, infestations,
or dangers. - Migratory students and unaccompanied youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent/guardian) may be considered homeless if they meet the above definition.
Homeless status is determined in cooperation with the parent/guardian, or in the case of unaccompanied youth, the homeless student liaison. - Immediate enrollment means within twenty-four hours of the best interest determination. Enrollment must not be denied or delayed because documents normally required for enrollment have not been provided. The enrolling school must immediately contact a student’s school of origin to obtain the relevant records, and the school of origin should immediately transfer those records.
- School of origin means the school the student attended when permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled, including a preschool.
Homeless Student Liaison
The Board designates Kayla Andersen as the Homeless Student Liaison. This individual must perform all duties required by law to ensure the educational stability of a homeless student.
Best Interest Determination
The District must comply with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act. The District shall seek to eliminate barriers to school attendance for homeless students as defined by law. When feasible and consistent with a parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth’s wishes, the homeless student must be immediately
REQUIRED Descriptor Code: FDB enrolled in their school of origin and transportation must be provided in accordance with
law.
When not feasible for a homeless student to attend their school of origin, as determined by the Superintendent in consultation with the parent, guardian, or student, the student must be placed in a school that is in the “best interest of the student.” The Superintendent must submit such placement decisions to the parent or guardian in writing, along with notice of the right to appeal and a dispute resolution procedure.
Dispute Resolution
To the extent feasible and appropriate, when a dispute arises as to the best interest determination, the District must ensure that a homeless student be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute. The parent, guardian, or student wishing to file an appeal of a determination shall notify the Homeless Student Liaison. The liaison shall follow the dispute resolution procedure created in regulation FDB-BR. The District shall make reasonable efforts to collaborate with aggrieved parties to resolve the dispute at the local level as expeditiously as possible.
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Complementing NDSBA Templates (may contain items not adopted by the Board)
- FDB-BR, Education of the Homeless Dispute Resolution Procedure
- FDB-E1, Caregiver Authorization Form
- FDB-E2, United School District-Level Dispute Resolution Form
End of United School District #7 Policy FDB .......................................................Adopted: August 2022
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