Occupancy Permit to attend public school?

[TR76]

What is the name of your state? IL

My son is in pre-k for the second year in a row in our local public school. We moved near the end of last school year to a new home still in the same district. When we enrolled last year, they asked for proof of residence, which we provided, along with the registration form and my son's ssn#. However, this year when I called to inquire about enrollment, they said they were missing proof of residency (which I don't understand) and when I told them we moved, they said I had to produce 4 things in order to enroll my son: occupancy permit, deed or contract for my home, paycheck stub and a utility bill.

The problem with this is, where we are located an occupancy permit is not required. We are unincorporated and I even called our township to make sure. The superintendant is arguing with me and told me flatout that I my son cannot attend school if he doesn't have the permit. I explained that my husband lost his job and that I couldn't afford a reinspection fee along with the permit cost but he still maintained his position.

So I ask, is it legal for the public school system to turn away a child just because I don't have an occupancy permit? Especially when it's not required?

 

[BelizeBreeze]

Did you ever think to ask the township for an affidavit showing that the permit is not required in your location?

 

[Shay-Pari'e]

Complete Registration Includes

Student Information Sheet [required for all students]

social security number [recommended]
at least two (2) emergency telephone numbers in metropolitan bi-state area
signed by legal guardian
names of doctor and dentist [should be provided within six (6) weeks]
all information complete
Student Health Information Sheet [required for all students]
Hold Harmless Agreement
Medical Release Form
Physical Form and Letter for Physical Form [required for students in grades K, 5, 9]
Acceptable Use Agreement [required if student is to have Internet access; not distributed at registration for elementary]
Photographic Release [required if photos of student are to be used; not distributed at registration for elementary]
Proof of Legal Custody and Residency

Parent/Guardian authorization form & affidavit of residence [required]
Assignment of responsibilities and contact & affidavit of legally responsible adult(s)
[for parents assigning legal responsibility to non-custodial adult]
Current Residents - one or more of the following are needed to prove residency
Driver's license #
Utility bill(s) in the name of the parent/guardian
Voter registration card
Property tax receipt parcel ID
Lease showing the name, address and occupancy date
Occupancy permit or other local government document establishing the parent/guardian as a resident at the stated address

 

[TR76]

Did you ever think to ask the township for an affidavit showing that the permit is not required in your location?

Yes, actually I did but even then, the superintendant is stating he will not allow my son into school. I know that it's not required, the question is how do I fight it? I could understand if this was a private school since you are paying to attend but I thought public schools were required to provide an education to all eligible children within its school district?

Shay-Pari'e: In your post it says "one or more" and even in that last sentence, it states occupancy permit or other legal document proving residency. That could by my tax form, right? Is that IL state law that you're quoting because if so, that should be enough to throw in his face that I have all the required proof of my residency.

 

[Shay-Pari'e]

Yes, that is for IL. What school district are we talking about? I'll see what I can find.

 

[TR76]

Yes, that is for IL. What school district are we talking about? I'll see what I can find.

Its the xxxxxxxxxx school district.

 

[Shay-Pari'e]

http://216.109.125.130/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=millstadt+school+registration+il&u=www.millstadt.stclair.k12.il.us/2005-2006%20handbook.pdf&w=millstadt+school+registration+il&d=CX2v32P9NDOX&icp=1&.intl=us

 

[TR76]

Right there in his own words it even states that it's only ONE of the many options to prove residency yet he thinks I am going to just take his word for it. I don't think so.

So based on that, if I provide 2 of those "A" category documents, he cannot refuse my son into school, correct?