Homeless Placement Dispute

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act acknowledges that disputes may arise between the School District City of Pontiac and any homeless student and their parents/guardians when the student is placed in a school other than the one requested. Guidance for school selection is provided in the law. The law includes dispute resolution among the required duties of the district's liaison (Dr. Jacqueline McDougal, Office of Special Education and Student Equity).

The following procedures are specified in the McKinney-Vento Act Dispute Resolution Process Act.

If the complaint is not resolved at this level within five (5) days, it may be taken to the superintendent of the district. In addition to presenting the written complaint, an appointment will be made for the parent to meet with the superintendent to discuss the complaint. At the end of the discussion with the superintendent, a written resolution will be provided within five (5) days of the date of the discussion.

• Enrollment/Transportation/Other Services & Benefits: Immediately provided support and intervention for the homeless student with the school enrollment issue or with the service preferred by the parents until the dispute is settled.
• Written explanation: Provide a written explanation of the school's decision to the parent/guardian or the unaccompanied youth.
• Liaison: The designated district liaison is assigned to carry out the dispute resolution in an expeditious manner.
• It is the responsibility of the school district to inform the parents/guardians of the homeless students of the Complaint Resolution Procedures.

 

Homeless Liaison: Wilma Bell - Wilma.bell@pontiacschools.org