Dispute Resolution

When families and schools disagree about a child’s eligibility for homeless education services or about the best educational placement for a homeless student, schools must have a clear local process in place to resolve those disputes.  While dispute resolution is ongoing, the child must be allowed to attend where the parent prefers and have full access to services, including transportation.

 

The Maine Department of Education provides a model local dispute resolution process that districts can use to develop their own, and the State Homeless Education Coordinator can offer assistance.

 

Disputes that cannot be resolved locally may be appealed to the Department of Education.  During a state level appeal, students continue to attend where the parent prefers and have full access to services to which they are entitled under the McKinney-Vento Act.    The state appeal process and forms are provided below.

 

Model Local Dispute Resolution Process

State Dispute Resolution Appeal Process 

State Dispute Resolution Appeal Request Form and Instructions

 

State Dispute Resolution Appeal Request Form and Instructions (French)

State Dispute Resolution Appeal Request Form and Instructions (Portuguese)