In rare instances, enrollment disputes may arise. Usually these occur when a parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth requests enrollment in a school that the Seattle Public Schools believes is not in the best interest of the student. This determination was based upon one or more of the following considerations:

• The school you selected does not have space for additional students at your child’s grade level and/or program.

• Your child needs bilingual or special education services and the school you selected does not have the services your child needs.
  
• Your child was previously expelled from the school you selected, and may not return to that school.
  
• Your child was suspended or expelled from a school in another district. Seattle Public Schools recognizes the sanction(s) of a previous school, and will assign your child to the Reentry Program instead of a regular school.
  
• Other

Occasionally, the dispute is over whether a student will receive transportation to the school he/she is attending. Reasons for denying transportation may include any of the following:

• The school you selected is not located in the same cluster where you live. Your child can attend the school, but transportation will not be provided, as stated in the District Transportation Plan, since your child(ren) did not attend that school prior to becoming homeless.

• The school is in another district, and both Seattle Public School staff and staff at the other school district believe that the distance and time needed to travel that distance is too great, or the mode of travel available is not appropriate based on your child's age and maturity, and therefore the situation is not in your child's best interests.

In these instances, the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth will be informed in writing why enrollment in the preferred school is denied or why transportation to the preferred school is denied. If the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth continues to insist on the preferred school, the student will be enrolled there, or transportation will be provided, subject to resolution of the dispute.

Should Seattle Public Schools prevail in the dispute, the student may be transferred to the school Seattle Public School staff believes is most appropriate, or the contested transportation will be discontinued.

Dispute Process

If a dispute arises over school enrollment or transportation, an appeal form is available on this website. This form is also available at Enrollment Centers and the Bilingual Family Center. Staff at one of these sites will start the process by completing the first page about why the desired school or transportation is denied. The parent/guardian completes the back side, explaining why he/she believes the student should attend the requested school or get the requested transportation. The paperwork is sent to the Homeless Liaison, Ruth McFadden, by fax (206-252-0821) or through the mail (the address is on the paperwork.)

Parents/guardians may also contact the Homeless Liaison at 206-252-0822 for assistance with this process. Parents/guardians should get a response to an appeal within two school days.