STATE OF CONNECTICUT
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Student v. Westbrook Board of Education - CT SDE Case No. 20-0329
Case No. 20-0329
Student v. Westbrook Board of Education
Appearing on behalf of the Parent: Courtney Spencer, Esq. Law Office of Courtney Spencer, LLC 100 Riverview Center, Suite 290 Middletown, CT 06457
Appearing on behalf of the Board: Leander Dolphin, Esq. Shipman and Goodwin, LLP One Constitution Plaza Hartford, CT 06103
Appearing before: Sylvia Ho, Esq. Hearing Officer
ISSUES:
1. Did the Board offer an appropriate program for the school years and extended school years for the period of two years prior to the filing of the Due Process Complaint?
2. If not, is placement at Watkinson School appropriate?
3. If so, should the Student be placed at Watkinson School?
4. Do the circumstances warrant an award of compensatory education?
PROCEDURAL HISTORY/SUMMARY:
The Parent filed the Due Process Complaint and Request for Hearing on February 18, 2020. The Hearing Officer was appointed on February 20, 2020 and scheduled a Prehearing Conference for March 12, 2020. The parties reported that they were in the process of negotiating a resolution of the dispute. The timelines were extended by 90 days order of the Department of Education due to emergency measures of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mailing date was extended at the request of the parties so that they could continue to negotiate a resolution of the dispute. The hearing was scheduled for July 15, 2020. On July 7, 2020, the Parents that the Due Process Complaint without prejudice.
FINAL DECISION AND ORDER:
The matter is DISMISSED.