Complaint Summary
Date Findings Report Sent
September 23, 2026
Case Number
27-0063
School District
Bridgeport Public Schools
Person filing complaint
Surrogate Parent
Grade Level
High School
Allegation(s)
The Surrogate Parent alleges that the District did not adhere to what the team decided and failed to send out referral packets to out of district placements. (34 CFR §§ 300.323(c)(2) and 300.17(d), RCSA § 10-76d-1(a)(3)).
The Surrogate Parent claims that the District failed to issue PWN even though it refused to initiate a change in the Student’s placement. (RCSA 10-76d-8(5))
Conclusion(s)
In this matter, the PPT properly determined the Student’s placement by agreeing that the Student required a therapeutic educational program with embedded behavioral and social/emotional supports and 1,695 minutes per week of specialized instruction. Subsequent administrative identification of the physical location where these services would be provided did not modify the placement determined by the PPT. Accordingly, the District’s actions do not violate the procedural requirements of 34 CFR §§ 300.323(c)(2), 300.17(d), RCSA § 10 76d 1(a)(3), or the placement mandates contained in 34 CFR 300.116. No corrective action is required.
In this case, the PWN concerning the June 2026, PPT meeting was insufficient because it didn’t accurately reflect what occurred at the meeting. On June 10, 2026, the PWN stated that it was proposing to initiate the provision of FAPE. The description/reason of the proposed action was 1695 minutes a week of support with academic skills from a special education teacher in a therapeutic program with embedded behavioral and social emotional supports. However, District staff stated that they would contact central office to determine what placement options were available for the Student. Not until July 20, 2026, forty-six days after the PPT meeting, was a decision made by central office administrators refusing the request to initiate an educational placement. The description/reason of the proposed or refused action: The surrogate parent requested referrals to two out-of-district approved private special education programs (APSEP). The district was not clear on the refusal on 6/4/26. The reason for proposing or refusing to take action: The district refuses to initiate an out-of-district (APSEP) because the student has not had access to specialized instruction and related services that are available in the district, including a therapeutic setting. Therefore, the District is in violation of 34 CFR § 300.503 and RCSA §10-76d-8. Corrective action is required
Corrective Action(s)
The District must review with the High School’s PPT meeting chairs and special education and related service providers, including the chair at the PPT meeting held in June, 2026, PWN requirements. The training can be a part of the District’s professional development. This office must be provided a list of trainers and participants on or before October 30, 2026.