Hartford 26-0463

Complaint Summary

Date Findings Report Sent

March 26, 2026

Case number

26-0463

School District

Hartford Public Schools

Person filing the complaint

Parent

Grade Level

Elementary School

Allegation(s)

  • The Parent alleged that the District changed the purpose of the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting on October 31, 2025, from “Plan a targeted assessment (non-three-year reevaluation)” to “Plan three-year reevaluation” without providing notice. (34 CFR § 300.322(b)(1)(i) and RCSA §10-76d-12(a))
  • The Parent alleged that upon their request for an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at public expense, the District failed to, without unnecessary delay, file for a hearing to demonstrate its own evaluations were appropriate or ensure that an IEE was provided at public expense. (34 CFR §§ 300.502(a)(1), 300.502(a)(2), 300.502(b)(2), 300.502(e)(1), and RCSA § 10-76d-9(a))

Conclusion(s)

  • The District did not provide the Parent with five days’ notice regarding the purpose of the PPT meeting on October 31, 2025. Therefore, the District is in violation of 34 CFR § 300.322(b)(1)(i) and RCSA §10-76d-12(a). Corrective action will follow.
  • The District has caused an unnecessary delay, given that the Parent requested an IEE on January 20, 2026, and as of the issuance of this findings letter, the District has yet to file a due process complaint to request a hearing to show that its evaluation is appropriate or ensure that an independent educational evaluation is provided at public expense. Therefore, the District is in violation of 34 CFR § 300.502(b)(2). Corrective action will follow.

Corrective Action(s)

  • The District must either agree to an IEE at public expense or initiate a due process complaint to substantiate the appropriateness of its evaluation, in compliance with 34 CFR § 300.502, no later than April 1, 2026. 
  • The District is required to provide training for administrators involved in this case, on all laws and regulations related to IEEs. An agenda for the training, along with a list of attendees, must be submitted to this office. The training must be completed no later than May 15, 2026.
  • The District is required to provide training for individuals involved in this case, on all laws and regulations related to parent participation in PPT meetings. An agenda for the training, along with a list of attendees, must be submitted to this office. The training must be completed no later than May 15, 2026.