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McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The federal McKinney-Vento (MV) Education of Homeless Children and Youth program requires states to ensure equal access to public schools by homeless students and other education support.  Among the provisions is the right of homeless parents and unaccompanied homeless youth to dispute district determinations of school placement and MV eligibility.

Please see the Oregon Department of Education Dispute Resolution Guidance for more information and a sample dispute resolution letter.

Oregon Department of Education - McKinney-Vento State Liaison Information

State of Oregon McKinney-Vento Liaison - Lexi Neemann

Email - lexi.neemann@ode.oregon.gov

Mckinney-Vento Considerations

In determining the best interest of an eligible child or youth, the district shall presume that keeping the student in the school of origin is in their best interest, except when doing so is contrary to the request of the parent or unaccompanied student.

In addition to the presumption clause, McKinney-Vento directs district to consider student-centered factors related to the child or youth's best interest, including factors related to "the impact of mobility on achievement, education, health and safety" of homeless students, giving priority to the request of the parent or unaccompanied youth.

Steps for Resolution:

  • Facilitation of the dispute resolution process is carrid out by the McKinney-Vento Liaison, who informs in writing and explains the process to the parties involved and offers support throughout the process.
  • Coordination with the family is crucial to ensure that the student is enrolled in school during the dispute resolution process.
  • In case higher level support is necessary, the liaison will loop in school administrators, executive administrators, deputy superintendent, or the ODE State coordinator as appropriate.
  • Once a resolution is reached, it will be finalized by the parties involved, with the support of the liaison as needed.