Enrollment & Custody FAQ

 

 

 

Please Note: This information is intended as a general guide and is not legal advice. Enrollment decisions are made based on Ohio law, Board policy, and the documentation provided. Individual circumstances may require additional review by the District.

Q: I am the biological father of a child and want to enroll him/her in school. The child's biological mother and I were never married. What do I need to do?

A: Under Ohio Revised Code 3109.042, when a child is born to unmarried parents, the mother is the sole residential parent and legal custodian unless a court has issued an order granting parental rights, custody, or shared parenting to the father. A biological father seeking to enroll a student should provide any court orders establishing legal custody or parental rights. If no court order exists, additional documentation may be required before enrollment can be completed. Please contact the Willoughby-Eastlake Registration Office for assistance with your specific circumstances.

Q: My former spouse and I have a shared parenting plan, and we live in different school districts. Can my child attend school in either district?

A: The student's school district of residence is generally determined by the court-approved shared parenting plan or custody order. If the order designates a residential parent for school purposes, that designation determines the student's district of residence unless otherwise permitted by Ohio law or Board policy. Please provide a copy of your current court order during enrollment.

Q: I am divorced and am the custodial parent. I do not want the non-custodial parent to have access to my child's school records. Is that allowed?

A: Generally, no. Unless a court order specifically limits or terminates a parent's educational rights, both parents typically have equal access to their child's educational records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Ohio law. If you have a court order restricting a parent's access to records or educational decision-making, please provide a copy to the Registration Office.

Q: I live within the Willoughby-Eastlake City School District. A child who is not my biological child is coming to live with me. The child's parent or legal custodian lives in another district. Can I enroll the child?

A: The documentation required depends on your circumstances. A child living with someone other than a parent may be eligible to enroll if the adult has legal custody, legal guardianship, a valid Grandparent Power of Attorney, or otherwise qualifies under Ohio law. Please contact the Registration Office to discuss your situation and determine what documentation is required.

Q: I live in the Willoughby-Eastlake City School District, and my grandchild is living with me. The child's parent(s) lives elsewhere. Can I enroll my grandchild?

A: Possibly. Grandparents may be able to enroll a grandchild by providing a properly executed Grandparent Power of Attorney. These documents must be completed in accordance with Ohio law and may not be used solely for the purpose of enrolling in the District. Additional documentation may also be required depending on your circumstances. Please contact the Registration Office for guidance regarding the required forms and documentation.

Q: I have filed a motion for custody. Can I enroll the child before the court issues a final custody order?

A: In some circumstances, yes. The District may temporarily accept a court-filed motion for custody that is file-stamped by the court and includes a scheduled hearing date. This documentation may be accepted until the court issues a final custody order. Once a final order is issued, a copy must be provided to the Registration Office.

Q: I have a court order giving me custody of a child, but it is not signed or dated by the court. Is that acceptable?

A: No. Custody documentation must be a valid court order signed by a judge or magistrate and include the appropriate court filing information before it can be accepted for enrollment.

Q: A friend or relative gave me a notarized statement giving me custody of a child. Is that acceptable for enrollment?

A: No. A notarized statement alone does not establish legal custody. The District must receive documentation demonstrating legal custody recognized under Ohio law before enrollment can be completed. If you have questions regarding obtaining legal custody or guardianship, you should consult the appropriate juvenile or probate court or seek legal advice.

Q: I recently moved in with a friend or relative and do not have proof of residency. How can I enroll my child?

A: Parents or guardians are required to provide proof of residency at the time of enrollment. If you are temporarily living with another individual and do not have documents in your name, the District may accept a notarized Residency Affidavit completed by the homeowner or leaseholder, along with the required proof of residency from that individual. Additional documentation will be required, and the enrolling parent or guardian may be given a limited period of time to provide proof of residency in accordance with District procedures. A meeting will also be scheduled with the Assistant Superintendent and the Director of Pupil Services in which you and the homeowner must attend.

Q: My child has been expelled from another school district. Can I enroll him or her in the Willoughby-Eastlake City School District?

A: Students who reside in the District may enroll; however, under Ohio law, the Superintendent (or designee) may conduct a hearing to determine whether the District will honor the expulsion period imposed by the previous district. The parent or guardian will be notified of the hearing and provided an opportunity to participate.