5171.00 | School Stability

The District shall ensure the following is provided according to the homeless student's best interest:

  1. That the homeless student's education continues in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness:
    1. In any case in which a family becomes homeless between academic years or during an academic year; and
    2. For the remainder of the academic year, if the student becomes permanently housed during an academic year; or
  2. That the homeless student is eligible to enroll in the same schools as non-homeless students who live in the same attendance area where the homeless student is actually living.

In determining the best interest of the homeless student, each school within the District shall:

  1. Presume that keeping the student in the school of origin is in the student's best interest, except when doing so is contrary to the request of the student's parent or guardian, or (in the case of an unaccompanied youth) the student;
  2. Consider student-centered factors related to the student'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 student's parent or guardian or (in the case of an unaccompanied youth) the student;
  3. If, after conducting the best interest determination based on consideration of the above presumptions, the Superintendent determines that it is not in student's best interest to attend the school of origin or the school requested by the parent or guardian, or (in the case of an unaccompanied student) the student, provide the student's parent or guardian or the unaccompanied student with a written explanation of the reasons for his or her determination, which will be provided in a manner and form understandable to such parent, guardian, or unaccompanied student, including information regarding the right to appeal under Board Policy 5173.20; and
  4. In the case of an unaccompanied student, ensure that the District's liaison, designated under Board Policy 5172.00, assists in placement or enrollment decisions under this subparagraph, gives priority to the views of such unaccompanied student, and provides notice to such student of the right to appeal under Board Policy 5173.20.