Parents have a right to appeal a denial of Homeless Education services. All appeals of Homeless Education Services must adhere to the following hierarchy and timeline.
Level I: Complete the Appeal Form and return it to the school principal within 10 calendar days of the date of the written notification of denial. The principal will review the appeal, consult with the district liaison in the McKinney-Vento Program office with information supporting the denial, such as a lease agreement or a deed in the parent/guardian’s name, and render a decision as soon as possible, but not more than five (5) school days after the appeal is received. The principal will respond to the appeal in writing, either granting the request or upholding the denial.
Level II: Parents/Guardians dissatisfied with the principal’s appeal decision may appeal to the Office of Appeals within 10 calendar days of the date on the written notification of denial from the school principal. The appeal should be submitted to: Office of Appeals, 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, Phone: (301) 952-6195, Email: appeals.office@pgcps.org.
The Office of Appeals will review the principal’s decision, consult with the district liaison in the McKinney-Vento Program office, and render a decision as soon as possible, but not more than 10 school days after the appeal is received. The Office of Appeals will respond to the appeal in writing, either granting the request or upholding the denial.
Level III: Parents/Guardians dissatisfied with the decision of the Office of Appeals may appeal to Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Board of Education within 30 calendar days of the date on the written notification of denial.
Parents will attach the original appeal form to the decision of the Office of Appeals, and submit it to: Prince George’s County Public Schools Board of Education 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, Office: (301)952-6116, Fax: (301) 952-6114.
A hearing before the Board of Education (or its appeal panel) will be scheduled, and parent/guardian will be given an opportunity to make an oral appeal. The Board of Education will reconsider the decision and render a decision as soon as possible, but not later than 45 days after the appeal is received. The Board of Education will respond to the appeal in writing, either granting the request or upholding the denial.
Level IV: Parents dissatisfied with the decision of the PGCPS Board of Education may appeal to the Maryland State Board of Education (MSDE) within 30 calendar days of the date on the written notification of denial. Parents must send a letter and a copy of the PGCPS Board of Education’s decision to Maryland State Board of Education, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, Attention: Appeals.
HOMELESS EDUCATION APPEAL FORM
Please note, if the appeal concerns placement, your child may continue to attend the school you have selected during the appeals process. Your child will receive transportation to the school of origin if that is the school you have selected. If the appeal concerns your child’s right to receive transportation, he or she will continue to receive this service during the appeal process.
