Hartford 25-0715

Complaint Summary

Date Findings Report Sent:

August 08, 2025

Case Number:

25-0715

Grade Level:

Middle

Person filing complaint:

Surrogate Parent

School District:

Hartford Public Schools

Allegation(s):

  • Failing to provide evaluate the Student in all areas of suspected disability (34 CFR §§300.304(c)(4) and §300.304(c)(6) and RCSA §10-76d-9(a))
  • Failing to either agree to pay for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) or request a due process hearing to defend its evaluation. (RCSA § 10-76d-9 and 34 CFR § 300.502 )

Conclusion(s):

  • In the case presented, the District conducted a full and individualized initial evaluation as determined by the planning and placement team (see fact 3) and considered all areas of suspected disability. For that reason, the District is not in violation of 34 CFR §§300.304(c)(4) and §300.304(c)(6) and RCSA §10-76d-9(a). No Corrective Action.
  • A parent may request an IEE at public expense at a planning and placement team (PPT) meeting or outside of a PPT meeting. If a request is made during a PPT meeting, as was the case during the April 1, 2025 PPT meeting, the District does not have to provide an answer to the parent’s request at that time. Although the PPT may review the request during the meeting, the District may inform the parent of its decision regarding the IEE at public expense subsequent to the PPT meeting, provided that the decision is made without unnecessary delay. As of the writing of this report, the District has yet to file for a due process hearing to defend its evaluation or ensure that the evaluation is provided at no cost to the parent. Therefore, it is concluded the District is in violation of RCSA § 10-76d-9 and 34 CFR § 300.502. Corrective action is required, see below.

Corrective Action(s):

  • The District is required to fund an independent neuropsychological evaluation of the Student. Not later than October 15, 2025, this office must be sent documentation that the District has taken steps to ensure the independent neuropsychological evaluation is conducted. Such documentation could be correspondence from the District to the independent evaluator stating that the District will be responsible for the cost of the evaluation.