New Britain 26-0526

Complaint Summary

Date Findings Report Sent:

April 22, 2026

Case Number:

26-0526

Grade Level:

High school

Person filing complaint:

Surrogate parent

School District:

New Britain Public Schools

Allegation(s):

  • The Surrogate Parent alleges that the District has suspended the Student for 26 days during the 2025-2026 school year, without conducting a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR). (34 CFR § 300.530(e)(1))
  •  The Surrogate Parent alleges that the District failed to send documentation and verbally communicate with the Surrogate Parent in lieu of communicating with the DCF caseworker. (Connecticut General Statute § 10-94i)

Conclusion(s):

  • The Student’s out-of-school suspensions for disciplinary reasons resulted in removals for more than 10 school days by November 2025. Despite this change in placement, the District failed to ever conduct a manifestation determination. Therefore, the District is in violation of 34 CFR § 300.530(e)(1). Corrective action will follow.
  • This District was informed of the assignment of the Surrogate Parent on July 10, 2025. However, when the Student’s disciplinary records were provided to the DCF caseworker, the Surrogate Parent was not included in these communications. Additionally, it was reported that the building administrator did not have a clear understanding of the rights of the Surrogate Parent. Therefore, the District is in violation of Connecticut General Statute § 10-94i. Corrective action will follow.

Corrective Action(s):

  • On or before September 15, the District must provide training to all staff involved in the case on the laws regarding disciplinary procedures under IDEA; specifically, all requirements under 34 CFR § 300.530. An agenda for the training and a list of attendees must be submitted to this office.
  • On or before June 15, 2026, the District must issue a communication to all staff outlining the role and rights of surrogate parents in alignment with the requirements under Connecticut General Statute § 10-94i. A copy of this communication must be submitted to this office.