Stamford 26-0213

Complaint Summary

Date Findings Report Sent:

December 23, 2025

Case Number:

26-0213

Grade Level:

Elementary

Person filing complaint:

Parent

School District:

Stamford Public Schools

Allegation(s):

  • The Parent alleged that the Parent requested a planning and placement team (PPT) meeting in September of 2025 to discuss “increases in aggressive behaviors documented in school reports.” The Parent alleged that the District did not file a PPT to take place until the end of November of 2025.  34 CFR § 300.324(b) provides that Districts must review Student’s IEPs periodically, but no less than annually.  34 CFR § 300.101 requires that a school district must provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children residing in their school district. In order to do so, a school district must offer an IEP that is appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances.
  • The Parent alleged that the District failed to develop an appropriate toileting and hygiene plan for the Student, as part of her IEP.  
    34 CFR § 300.324(1) requires the planning and placement team (PPT) to consider the strengths of the child, the concerns of the parents for enhancing the education of their child, the results of the most recent evaluation of the child, and the academic, developmental, and functional needs of the child, when developing the IEP.
  • The Parent alleged that the Student’s current placement is not appropriate or safe.  34 CFR § 300.116 provides that in determining the educational placement of a child with a disability, each public agency must ensure that the (a) the placement decision—(1) Is made by a group of persons, including the parents, and other persons knowledgeable about the child, the meaning of the evaluation data, and the placement options; and (2) is made in conformity with the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Conclusion(s):

  • 34 CFR § 300.324(b) provides that Districts must review Student's IEPs periodically, but no less than annually. 34 CFR § 300.101 requires that a school district must provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children residing in their school district. In order to do so, a school district must offer an IEP that is appropriate in light of the child's circumstances. Originally, the District scheduled a 30-day review PPT meeting on October 8, 2025 and sent the corresponding meeting notice to the Parent. On September 11, 2025, the Parent sent an email to the District expressing concerns about an increase of aggressive behaviors by the Student. The October 8, 2025 date ultimately could not be used because the Parent's Attorney was not available on that date and could not attend. The District was ready and willing to conduct a PPT meeting approximately four weeks after the Parent sent the email on September 11, 2025. The rescheduling of the meeting was not due to any lack of response on the District's part, but because of scheduling issues with the Parent's Attorney and the Board's Attorney. Therefore, no violation of 34 CFR § 300.324(b) or 34 CFR § 300.101 is found. 
  • 34 CFR § 300.324(1) requires the planning and placement team (PPT) to consider the strengths of the child, the concerns of the parents for enhancing the education of their child, the results of the most recent evaluation of the child, and the academic, developmental, and functional needs of the child, when developing the IEP. While the Student had three toileting accidents from the start of the school year through October 29, 2025, there is no evidence that the Student required a toileting plan at the start of the 2025-26 school year. The Student's IEP did not contain this as an individual need at that time. Therefore, no violation of 34 CFR § 300.324(1) is found. 
  • 34 CFR § 300.116 provides that in determining the educational placement of a child with a disability, each public agency must ensure that the (a) the placement decision—(1) Is made by a group of persons, including the parents, and other persons knowledgeable about the child, the meaning of the evaluation data, and the placement options; and (2) is made in conformity with the least restrictive environment (LRE). The PPT made the placement decision on July 29, 2025. The PPT included people knowledgeable about the Student, as well as the Student's Parents and their Attorney. (See Finding of Facts # 14 and 15). At this time, the Parent agreed to the placement. The PPT's recommendation was made in conformity with the Student's LRE, and based upon a variety of sources of information. (See Finding of Facts #17). Since the District complied with the requirements of 34 CFR § 300.116 no violation is found.

Corrective Action(s):

  • Not applicable.