Complaint Summary
Date Findings Report Sent:
March 3, 2026
Case Number:
26-0353
Grade Level:
Elementary school
Person filing complaint:
Attorney
School District:
New Haven Public Schools
Allegation(s):
- The Attorney alleges that at the PPT meeting on December 3, 2025, the team agreed that the Student needed a therapeutic placement. However, according to the Attorney, the PWN asserted that the team, “refused a therapeutic placement” and instead “proposed a change in placement to a smaller setting with a highly structured behavioral component.” (34 CFR § 300.503 and RCSA §10-76d-8)
Conclusion(s):
PWN must accurately capture all options considered and reasons rejected (not just the district’s preferred option). If those are omitted or misstated, the notice can be deficient even if the ultimate recommendation is correctly stated.
In this case, there is a clear disagreement amongst PPT members about the placement decision for the Student. However, the reason that the District is rejecting a therapeutic placement is not clearly captured on the PWN. Therefore, the District is in violation of 34 CFR § 300.503 and RCSA §10-76d-8. Corrective action is required.Corrective Action(s):
- The PPT shall convene. At the PPT meeting, participants will restate their recommendations and reasoning. The meeting will be documented clearly. The PWN will be completed in the meeting and agreed upon by the attendees