16 NCAC 06H .0114         Dispute Resolution Process for Homeless Students - Definitions

As used in this Section, the following terms shall have the following definitions:

(1)           "Homeless," "homeless child," and "homeless student" shall mean the same as the term "homeless children and youths" as defined by 42 U.S.C. 11434a(2). These terms shall also be deemed to include the term "unaccompanied youth."

(8)           "Unaccompanied youth" shall mean the same as defined by 42 U.S.C. 11434a(6).

(3)           "Local educational agency" (LEA) includes local school administrative units, charter schools, laboratory schools, regional schools, Innovative School District schools, and Innovation Zone schools.

(2)           "LEA dispute resolution process" shall refer to the LEA's policy on resolving complaints brought by parents, guardians, or unaccompanied youth regarding students experiencing homelessness. The term shall refer to appeals processes within the LEA, prior to any appeal by the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth appeals to the State Coordinator.

(4)           "Local liaison" shall refer to the official at each LEA, who ensures the LEA dispute resolution process for homeless children and youth is mediated in accordance with local, State, and federal policy as required by 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(6)(A)(vii).

(5)           "School business day" means days when students are scheduled to be in attendance at school, according to the academic calendar adopted by the LEA.

(7)           "State Coordinator" shall refer to the Department of Public Instruction staff person who carries out federally mandated duties regarding students experiencing homelessness as required by 42 U.S.C. 11432(d)(3).

(6)           "State appeal process" shall refer to the policies the State Coordinator, LEAs, parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth must follow when a parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth seeks to appeal a dispute to the State Coordinator.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 115C-12; 115C-366; 42 U.S.C. 11431; 42 U.S.C. 11432;

Emergency Adoption Eff. August 20, 2019;

Eff. October 1, 2020.