GROUNDS FOR APPEAL

Appellant: The person initiating the appeal, which may be the parent or legal guardian.

Grounds for appeal are the reasons asserted by an Appellant to challenge a decision. The Appellant must establish that the appeal is based on one of the two grounds available under the applicable appeal process. Mere disagreement with a decision, without demonstrating that it falls within one of the recognized grounds for appeal, is insufficient to establish a valid basis for appeal.  A parent/legal guardian may appeal a decision based upon one or both of the following grounds for appeal:

1. Violation of Established Policy or Procedure: A violation of an applicable policy, administrative procedure, regulation, or established process can be demonstrated; and/or
2. Unique Hardship: The circumstances surrounding the appeal present a unique hardship that would necessitate an exception to an applicable policy or procedure.

Unique Hardship: A unique hardship is an extenuating circumstance that is not typical for most families in the school system and that creates a barrier to school attendance or access to services, such that an exception to policy, practice or law may be warranted. 

For appeals relating to specialty school programs, lottery or other programs requiring testing or qualification, unique hardship may not be an available grounds of appeal. Additionally, a claim of unique hardship does not, by itself, excuse noncompliance with requirements or processes established by applicable law, regulation, policy, or administrative procedure. An exception may be considered only when permitted by the applicable authority and when sufficient justification exists.