The McKinney‑Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act (Act) provides critical protections for students experiencing homelessness. Under the Act, eligible students must be immediately enrolled in either the school of origin or the school serving the attendance zone where the student is currently residing, as selected by the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth.
Disputes regarding eligibility, school selection, or enrollment may arise. During any dispute, the student must be immediately enrolled in the school requested by the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth and remain enrolled pending final resolution of the dispute, including all available appeals.
McKinney‑Vento disputes should be resolved at the local level whenever possible and must follow the district’s local McKinney‑Vento dispute resolution process. Families and unaccompanied youth may contact the District McKinney‑Vento (Homeless) Liaison for assistance with filing a dispute and navigating the appeals process. If a dispute is not resolved locally, it may be submitted to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ).
All McKinney‑Vento disputes must be handled in an expedited manner. Districts are responsible for ensuring that local complaint and appeal timelines are accelerated, when possible, to meet the expectations of the U.S. Department of Education and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ for prompt dispute resolution.
McKinney‑Vento Dispute Resolution – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens after Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ receives a complaint?
Once a complaint is received, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ will notify the district’s homeless liaison that a complaint has been filed. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ will request that all related documentation, including the local dispute resolution record and any materials relied upon by the school board in its decision‑making, be submitted to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ within five business days.
How soon will Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ make a decision?
The Texas McKinney-Vento State Coordinator, or designee, in consultation with the appropriate agency (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ) director, will issue a final decision within 20 business days of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ’s receipt of the complete record from the School System and any additional documentation required to review the dispute.
How will the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth be notified of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ’s decision?
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ’s written decision will be provided both electronically and by hard copy to: (a) The parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth who filed the complaint; (b) The local school district’s homeless liaison; and (c) The local superintendent.
If the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth disagrees with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ, is a further appeal available?
No. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ’s decisions under the McKinney‑Vento Act are final.
What should I do if a dispute arises and the school refuses to immediately enroll the child or youth, preventing me from filing a local appeal?
Immediately contact the school district’s homeless liaison and/or the district superintendent’s office. A current list of district homeless liaisons is available through Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ’s . You may also contact Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ’s Office of General Inquiries at (512) 463‑9290 or by email at generalinquiry@tea.texas.gov.
