Virginia’s Best Interest Determination (BID) and Dispute Resolution Process
The McKinney-Vento Act requires schools to consider the school of origin as the first option in school enrollment. Parents may choose the school of origin or the school in the residency area where the child is currently living. It is the school division’s responsibility to determine the school of origin and residency, and to resolve any conflict concerning the school placement focusing on the best interest of the student (Project Hope-VA, 2017).
School divisions are responsible for conducting best interest determinations (BID) when deciding if the school of origin is in a homeless student’s best interest. The parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth must be provided a written explanation when there is a disagreement about placement, including the right to appeal the decision [§722(g)(3)(B)]. If a dispute arises over eligibility, school selection, or enrollment in a school, the local McKinney-Vento liaison must carry out the dispute resolution process [§722(g)(3)(E)] (VDOE, 2017).
Eligibility
- Dispute Resolution Process for Virginia Public Schools: Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Services (Word)
- Written Explanation Template (Word)