UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
J.S. on behalf of B.S., et al.,
Plaintiffs, Civil Action No. 19-18691 (MAS) (ZNQ) v.
MEMORANDUM OPINION GREEN BROOK TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT,
Defendant.
SHIPP, District Judge
This matter comes before the Court upon cross-motions for summary judgment. The first
is Plaintiffs J.S. and J.S.’s (“Plaintiffs”) Motion for Summary Judgment on behalf of B.S., their
minor child. (ECF No. 25.) The second is Defendant Green Brook Township Public School
District’s (“Defendant” or the “District”) Motion for Summary Judgment (ECF No. 27), which
Plaintiffs opposed (ECF No. 29). The Court has carefully considered the parties’ submissions and
decides the matter without oral argument pursuant to Local Civil Rule 78.1. For the reasons set
forth below, Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment is granted, and Plaintiffs’ Motion for
Summary Judgment is denied.
I. BACKGROUND
A. Overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), the federal government
provides funding to assist states with educating disabled children living within their borders. See
20 U.S.C. §§ 1400, et. seg.; see also Blunt v. Lower Merion Sch. Dist., 767 F.3d 247, 267 (3d
Cir. 2014). States receiving these funds must adopt a set of policies and procedures meant to
guarantee all disabled children receive a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”). 20 U.S.C.
§§ 1412(a), 1413(a); see also Blunt, 767 F.3d at 267-68. Required FAPE policies include the
“child find” obligation. 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(3); 34 C.F.R. §300.111. Under the child find
obligation, “[eJach public school district in a state that accepts federal funds under [the] IDEA has
a continuing obligation . . . to identify and evaluate all students reasonably believed to have a
disability... .” Blunt, 767 F.3d at 267 (citing Ridley Sch. Dist. v. M.R., 680 F.3d 260, 271 (3d
Cir. 2012)). New Jersey has enacted statutes and regulations to satisfy its obligations under the
IDEA, see N.J. Admin. Code §§ 6A:14, ef seq., including designating the New Jersey Office of
Administrative Law (“OAL”) to hear special education complaints, N.J. Admin. Code
§ 6A: 14-2.7.
“Under the IDEA, school districts must work with parents to design an [Individualized
Education Program (‘IEP’)], which is a program of individualized instruction for each special
education student.” Ridley, 680 F.3d at 269 (citing 20 U.S.C. §§ 1412(a)(4), 1414(d)). An “IEP
must include an assessment of the child’s current educational performance, must articulate
measurable educational goals, and must specify the nature of the special services that the school
will provide.” Schaffer ex rel. Schaffer v. Weast, 546 U.S. 49, 53 (2005) (citing 20 U.S.C.
§ 1414 (d)(1)(A)). Although it must provide students with a “basic floor of opportunity,” the IEP
“does not have to provide ‘the optimal level of services,’ or incorporate every program requested
by the child’s parents.” Ridley, 680 F.3d at 269 (quoting D.S. v. Bayonne Bd. of Educ., 602
F.3d 553, 557 (3d Cir. 2010)). Rather, an IEP must, at a minimum, “be reasonably calculated to
enable the child to receive meaningful educational benefits in light of the student’s intellectual
potential and individual abilities.” /d. (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).
“If parents believe that an IEP fails to provide their child with a FAPE, they may request
an administrative ‘impartial due process hearing,’ as may a school district if it wants to change an
existing IEP or seeks an evaluation without the parents’ consent.” Blunt, 767 F.3d at 269 (quoting
Ridley, 680 F.3d at 269-70); see also 20 U.S.C. § 1415(f). Such due process decisions by an
administrative law judge (“ALJ”) are final, 20 U.S.C. § 1415(i)(1)(A); 34 C.F.R. § 300.514(a),
and are appealable by bringing a civil action in “any State court of competent jurisdiction or in a
district court of the United States, without regard to the amount in controversy,” 20 U.S.C.
§ 1415(i)(2)(A); see also 34 C.F.R. § 300.51 6(a).
B. Factual Background
The parties are familiar with the factual and procedural history of this matter. The Court,
therefore, recites only those facts necessary to resolve the instant motions. Plaintiffs are the parents
of B.S., a minor child who attended schoo! within the District from 2013 to 2018. (Pls.” Statement
of Undisputed Material Facts (“PSUMF”) J 1, ECF No. 25-2; ALJ Op. 1-2, 125, ECF No. 1-1.)
At age five, B.S. was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”) and
prescribed medication. (PSUMF {| 6-7; Def.’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts
(“DSUMF”) J 12, ECF No. 27-1; ALJ Op. 125.) In 2013, prior to B.S. entering kindergarten,
Plaintiff J.S. (“B.S.’s Mother’) requested accommodations for B.S. based upon his ADHD
diagnosis.' (PSUMF {J 9-10; DSUMF { 12; ALJ Op. 125.) Officials, however, advised B.S.’s
' Specifically, B.S.’s Mother requested that the District implement a “504 Plan” on B.S.’s behalf. (PSUMF Jf 9-10; DSUMF J 12.) Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, “[nJo otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving [flederal financial assistance ... .” A 504 Plan “is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability . . . receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.” K.E. v. N. Highlands Reg'l Bd. of Educ., No. 18-12617, 2019 WL 5617788, at *2 n.2 (D.N.J. Oct. 30, 2019) (citation omitted). “The IDEA process is more involved than that of Section 504... and requires documentation of measurable growth.” /d.
Mother that the District’s general practice was “to wait until a child started attending school to
determine how the child was functioning in the classroom before implementing a 504 [P]lan.”
(DSUMF { 12; see also PSUMF ¥ 10; ALJ Op. 3, 125.) Notwithstanding this practice and prior to
any special education evaluations or determinations, the District informed B.S.’s Mother that
several of the accommodations—such as preferential seating and verbal redirection—could “easily
[be] provide[d] . . . without a 504 [P]lan in place because they did not require ‘heavy Iifting.””
(DSUMF J 13; see also ALJ Op. 3, 125.) Accordingly, a 504 Plan was not implemented at that
time. Prior to B.S.’s first grade year in 2014-2015, Plaintiffs reached out to the District with
concerns about B.S.’s social development and requested a Child Study Team (“CST”) evaluation
to determine B.S.’s “unique strengths and weaknesses.” (PSUMF 12-13; DSUMF { 14, ALJ
Op. 3-4, 125.) In the alternative, Plaintiffs requested a 504 Plan based upon B.S.’s diagnosis.
(PSUMF { 13.) Again, a 504 Plan was not implemented at that time. Importantly, however, there
were no academic, social, or disciplinary issues raised regarding B.S. during his kindergarten and
first grade years. (ALJ Op. 125 (“From all reports, B.S. was an amiable and bright little boy who
was progressing satisfactorily.”).)
“At the end of first grade, at the request of [Plaintiffs] and upon receipt of supporting
medical documentation . . . , the [District’s] 504 Committee met for an eligibility determination
which resulted in the development of a 504 Plan for implementation in the 2015-2016 school year
(second grade).” (/d.; see also id. at 126; PSUMF {{ 16-18 (noting that evaluations by B.S.’s
doctors “contained diagnoses of ADHD and possible [autism spectrum disorder (‘ASD’)]”);
DSUMF Jf 15-20.) For his second grade year, B.S. was afforded the following 504 Plan
accommodations: proximal seating, lesson presentation using multi-sensory approach, use of
Google to write, behavior management, free movement, smal! group instruction, and standardized
testing accommodations. (DSUMF { 18; see also PSUMF i] 21-24; ALJ Op. 4, 126.) The
Plan was revised for B.S.’s third grade year, and included the following accommodations:
proximal seating, “talk to text” technology for keyboarding, group testing for standardized testing,
social skills, and behavior management. (DSUMF 9] 22-23; ALJ Op. 4, 127; see also PSUMF
q 25.)
Up until his third grade year, B.S. “was not receiving any special education or related
services as he had a 504 [P]lan.” (DSUMF 27; see also PSUMF {J 27, 44.) “Because[, however,]
his needs [at that time] were greater than what a 504 [P]lan could address, B.S. was evaluated for
further services.” (DSUMF § 27; see also PSUMF {| 27, 32.) In Apri! 2017, following the
evaluations, “the CST determined that B.S. was eligible for special education and related services
under the classification of ‘Other Health Impaired.’” (ALJ Op. 130; see also DSUMF { 34;
PSUMF{ 44.) B.S. was provided with an IEP which included the following accommodations:
in-class resource support, flexibility to receive small group or individualized instruction,
twice-a-week supplementary instruction, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and
a social skills group. (DSUMF 4 34-36; see also ALJ Op. 130-31; PSUMF {{] 49-50.)
After the IEP had been in place for over a year and at the end of B.S.’s fourth grade year,
Plaintiffs, their counsel, B.S.’s teachers, and the District’s counsel met and reviewed B.S.’s
progress. (DSUMF { 41; PSUMF {| 53; ALJ Op. 132.) The District determined that, “based on the
progress his teachers reported, an in-class support program similar to the one he received in fourth
grade would be appropriate for fifth grade.” (DSUMF { 41; see also PSUMF {] 53; ALJ Op. 132.)
“In the proposed IEP [for 2018], B.S. was still provided with occupational therapy once a
month{,]” in-class support, speech and language therapy, and a social skills program. (DSUMF
{9 42-44; see also ALJ Op. 132-33.) Plaintiffs, however, refused to consent to the TEP and in
September 2018 unilaterally placed B.S. in a different school—the Flex Schoo!—for his fifth grade
9 54; ALJ Op. 133.) { 50; PSUMF year. (DSUMF
On May 21, 2018, prior to their placement of B.S. into the Flex School, Plaintiffs filed a
due process petition in the OAL. (DSUMF J 5; PSUMF { 55; ALJ Op. 2.) In that petition, Plaintiffs
asserted that the District failed to timely identify B.S. as eligible for special education services,
and once they did, failed to offer him an IEP that delivered a FAPE. (ALJ Op. 1|-2.) Accordingly,
Plaintiffs sought reimbursement for B.S.’s placement at the Flex School, as well as for
compensatory education. (/d. at 2.) A hearing was conducted on February 20, 2019, February 26,
2019, February 27, 2019, March 25, 2019, April 8, 2019, April 9, 2019, April 10, 2019, May 7,
2019, and May 21, 2019. (/d.) The ALJ heard testimony from the following individuals on behalf
of the District: (1) Shaune A. Casazza, guidance counselor and 504 Plan Coordinator, (2)
Bernadette Szenasy, Learning Disability Teacher Consultant and case manager, (3) Meghan
Deutsch, school psychologist and behaviorist, (4) Michelle Ritter-Lodato, occupational therapist,
(5) Amy Berger, speech-language specialist, (6) Linda Flora, reading specialist, and (7) Jennifer
Stetz, a kindergarten special education teacher and academic enrichment teacher. (See generally
id. at 2-33.) On behalf of Plaintiffs, the ALJ heard testimony from: (1!) Dr. Theodore A. Petti,
B.S.’s psychiatrist, (2) Tatyana Elleseff, speech language pathologist, (3) Shiela Smith-Allen,
occupational therapist, (4) Thomas Gavor, head of the Flex School and certified social worker, (5)
Dr. Erik Dranoff, licensed psychologist, and (6) B.S.’s Mother. (See generally id. at 33-119.)
Based on the documentary evidence and after weighing the credibility of each testifying
witness, the ALJ determined that the 2018 IEP proposed by the District for B.S.’s fifth grade year
constituted a FAPE under the IDEA. (/d. at 136-39.) According to the ALJ, “[a] review of the
evidence reveals that B.S. steadily progressed in his educational program, and that the CST
regularly monitored and adjusted his program in an ongoing effort to personalize his instruction
and address his educational needs.” (/d. at 136.) Furthermore, the ALJ rejected Plaintiffs’ argument
that the District failed to meet its obligations under the IDEA to timely identify B.S. as a special
education student. (/d. at 139-141.) The ALJ held that, “[aJt all times, the District was responsive
and acted appropriately[,]” and, accordingly, “met its ‘child find’ obligations [as] set forth in the
IDEA[.]” (/d. at 141.) In light of her findings, the ALJ concluded that Plaintiffs were not entitled
to reimbursement for B.S.’s placement in the Flex School or for the costs incurred for their experts’
evaluations “prior to B.S.’s referral to the CST.” (/d. at 139, 141.) Importantly, in reaching her
decision, the ALJ noted that several of Plaintiffs’ witnesses were elusive, conclusory, and not
credible. (See generally id. at 120-124.) Conversely, the ALJ concluded that the District’s
witnesses “all testified credibly” and were familiar with B.S. and the case’s facts. (/d. at 124.)
According to the ALJ, “[t]he detailed testimony of B.S.’s teachers who personally worked with
[B.S.] and routinely observed [him] from kindergarten through fourth grade was especially
persuasive as they are all educational experts in delivering special instruction to children with
disabilities.” (/d.)
Following the ALJ decision, Plaintiffs filed a Complaint in this Court seeking a reversal of
the ALJ’s decision pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 1415(i). (See generally Compl., ECF No. |.) On
April 17, 2020, Plaintiffs filed their instant Motion for Summary Judgment, requesting the Court
reverse the ALJ’s decision. (ECF No. 25.) Plaintiffs also request that the Court order the District
“to take financial responsibility for B.S.’[s] placement” at the Flex School. (/d.) On May 8, 2020,
the District filed its instant Motion for Summary Judgment requesting the Court dismiss Plaintiffs’
Complaint and affirm the ALJ’s decision. (ECF No. 27.)
Il. LEGAL STANDARD
“Where no new evidence has been presented to the Court, motions for summary judgment
in an IDEA case are the procedural vehicle for asking the judge to decide the case based on the
administrative record.” K.H. ex rel. B.Y. v. N. Hunterdon-Voorhees Reg’! High Sch., No. 05-4925,
2006 WL 2331106, at *4 (D.N.J. Aug. 10, 2006). Furthermore, “[t]he standard of review under
which this Court considers an appeal of a[n ALJ] decision under the IDEA differs from that
governing the typical review of summary judgment.” M.A. ex rel. G.A. v. Voorhees Twp. Bd. of
Educ., 202 F. Supp. 2d 345, 359 (D.N.J. 2002), aff'd, 65 F. App’x 404 (3d Cir. 2003) (internal
quotation marks and citation omitted). The parties’ motions, therefore, “[a]lthough framed as .. .
motion[s] for summary judgment, . . . [are] actually . . . appeal[s] of the ALJ’s ruling,” G.S. v.
Cranbury Twp. Bd. of Educ., No. 10-774, 2011 WL 1584321, at *8 (D.N.J. Apr. 26, 2011), and
the Court will “essentially conduct[] a bench trial based on a stipulated record[,]” M.S. v. Mullica
Twp. Bd. of Educ., 485 F. Supp. 2d 555, 566 (D.N.J. 2007).
“When deciding an IDEA case, the District Courtgapplies a modified version of de novo
review and is required to give due weight to the factual findings of the ALJ.” L.E. v. Ramsey Bd.
of Educ., 435 F.3d 384, 389 (3d Cir. 2006). “Factual findings from the administrative proceedings
are to be considered prima facie correct, and if the reviewing court does not adhere to those
findings, it is obliged to explain why.” Bayonne, 602 F.3d at 563 (internal quotation marks omitted)
(citing P.P ex rel. Michael P. v. W. Chester Area Sch. Dist., 585 F.3d 727, 734 (3d Cir. 2009)). An
ALJ's legal determinations, on the other hand, are reviewed de novo. Moorestown Twp. Bd. of
Educ. v. §.D., 811 F. Supp. 2d 1057, 1064 (D.N.J. 2011). “Applying these standards, the district
court may make findings ‘based on the preponderance of the evidence and grant the relief it deems
appropriate, including an award of attorney’s fees, a requirement for reimbursement for a private
educational placement, and a direction for the provision of a compensatory education.’” /d.
(quoting Bayonne, 602 F.3d at 564).
II. DISCUSSION
A. The District’s Child Find Obligations
Plaintiffs argue that despite ample and repeated notice of B.S.’s diagnoses and needs, the
District failed to identify B.S. as a special education student as required under the IDEA. (Pls.’
Moving Br. 14, ECF No. 25-1.) Specifically, Plaintiffs point to the following examples of the
District’s alleged failures: (1) prior to kindergarten, Plaintiffs requested the District make
accommodations for B.S., “including preferential seating, occasional breaks as allowed, and verbal
redirection” because of ‘“‘multiple disabilities that would have implications for his learning and
functioning in the classroom[,]” (id. at 15-16); (2) prior to first grade, Plaintiffs requested a CST
evaluation, and during the school year, teachers identified classroom difficulties, (id.
at 17, 19-20); (3) in second grade, recommendations from B.S.’s doctors indicated that further
assistance—in addition to the initial 504 Plan—should be provided, (id. at 20-21); and (4) in the
third grade, B.S. failed to make progress and Plaintiffs’ expert evaluations recommended
additional accommodations, (id. at 22-27). According to Plaintiffs, “[iJn the face of overwhelming
evidence that the [District] ignored, for years, the alarm sounded by its own staff, Plaintiffs’
medical and educational professionals, and the Plaintiffs themselves,” the Court should find that
“the ALJ’s finding that the [District] met its [c]hild [flind obligations was error [that] should be
reversed.” (/d. at 27.)
The District, on the other hand, maintains it did not violate its child find obligations because
it was responsive and appropriate throughout B.S.’s time in the District. (See generally Def.’s
Moving Br. 28-33, ECF No. 27-2.) Specifically, the District notes that, despite Plaintiffs’
assertions, B.S. displayed no academic or social issues that would have triggered the need for a
504 Plan or an JEP. (/d. at 32.) Furthermore, upon recommendations made by B.S.’s doctors—and
not based upon the District staff’s findings—the District implemented a 504 Plan with several
accommodations, including accommodations recommended by B.S.’s doctors. (/d. at 30-31.)
Once B.S.’s “needs were greater than what a 504 [P]lan could address, B.S. was evaluated for
further services.” (/d. at 31-32.) According to the District, the ALJ—after reviewing testimony
and evidence—“appropriately concluded that the District was responsive and acted appropriately
relative to B.S.’s education, and there was no evidence presented to the contrary that supports
Plaintiffs’ position that the District violated its [child find] obligations.” (/d. at 33 (internal
quotation marks omitted).)
“School districts have a continuing obligation under the IDEA and § 504 to identify and
evaluate all students who are reasonably suspected of having a disability under the statutes.” W.
Chester, 585 F.3d at 738. “A school’s failure to comply with [c]hild [fJind [obligations] may
constitute a procedural violation of the IDEA.” D.K. v. Abington Sch. Dist., 696 F.3d 233, 249 (3d
Cir. 2012) (citation omitted). Child find, however, does not require schools to conduct a “formal
evaluation of every struggling student.” /d. Instead, courts have “infer[red] a requirement that
[schools identify disabled children] within a reasonable time after school officials are on notice of
behavior that is likely to indicate a disability.” Jd. at 250 (quoting Ridley, 680 F.3d at 271).
“Obviously the case against the school district will be stronger if the district actually knew of the
educational deficiency or the parents had complained.” M.C. ex rel. J.C. v. Cent. Reg’! Sch. Dist.,
81 F.3d 389, 397 (3d Cir. 1996). “[Ultimately, however], it is the responsibility of the child’s
teachers, therapists, and administrators—and of the multi-disciplinary team that annually evaluates
the student’s progress—to ascertain the child’s educational needs, respond to deficiencies, and
place him or her accordingly.” /d.
Here, the ALJ held that the District met its child find obligations under the IDEA. The ALJ
found that “B.S. progressed in kindergarten and first grade[,] and had no academic or social issues
that would have triggered the need for a 504 Plan.” (ALJ Op. 140.) Furthermore, once it received
additional requests from Plaintiffs and further medical documentation, the District implemented a
504 Plan that remained in place through B.S.’s second grade year and most of his third grade year.
(/d.) During this time, B.S. was “routinely observed . . . to ensure that he was receiving the
accommodations outlined in his 504 Plan.” (/d. at 126.) Finally, upon Plaintiffs’ December 2016
request that B.S. be referred to the CST for evaluations, the District conducted the requested
evaluations and immediately implemented an IEP in 2017. (/d. at 140.) Following the
implementation of the IEP, the District set goals for B.S. and evaluated his educational progress.
(id. at 131-33.) Accordingly, the ALJ held that, “[aJt all times, the District was responsive and
acted appropriately[{,]” and met its child find obligations under the IDEA. (/d. at 141.)
The Court finds that the ALJ correctly held there was no child find violation and affirms
her decision on this ground. The Third Circuit’s decision in D.K. v. Abington School District, 696
F.3d 233 (3d Cir. 2012), is instructive. There, a minor child diagnosed with ADHD was afforded
behaviora! plans, a social skills group, extra help in math and reading, and other measures from
kindergarten through second grade. fd. at 240-41. While the child’s parents claimed he continued
to struggle despite these accommodations, the school district maintained that he was making
“considerable progress.” /d. at 241. Prior to the child’s third grade year, the parents requested a
“second, more comprehensive evaluation[,]” which ultimately “determined that [the child] was
eligible for special education services as a student with ‘other health impairment[.]’” /d. at 242.
The school district offered the child an IEP based on these evaluations, but the parents instead filed
a due process petition and requested an award for compensatory education. /d. The Third Circuit
held that the school district “was not required to jump to the conclusion that [the child’s]
misbehavior denoted a disability or disorder because hyperactivity, difficulty following
instructions, and tantrums are not atypical during early primary school years.” /d. at 251.
Furthermore, the court held that ‘the measures the [s]chool [d]istrict did take to assist [the child]
in the classroom militate against finding a {cJhild [find violation.” /d. at 252 (“His teachers did
not neglect his difficulties. Far from it, they and other... faculty took proactive steps to afford
him extra assistance and worked closely with his parents to maximize his potential for
improvement.”). According to the court, “[i]t would be wrong to conclude that the [s]chool
[d]istrict failed to identify [the child] as a challenged student when it offered him substantial
accommodations, special instructions, additional time to complete assignments, and one-on-one
and specialist attention en route to eventually finding a disability.” /d. Ultimately, the Third Circuit
held:
{S]chools need not rush to judgment or immediately evaluate every student exhibiting below-average capabilities, especially at a time when young children are developing at different speeds and acclimating to the school environment. Moreover, neither the failure to employ a functional behavioral assessment nor a subsequent disability finding is per se indicative of an inappropriate evaluation. The [s]chool (d]istrict did not breach its [c]hild [fJind duty by failing to test [the child] until April 2006, during his first-grade year, or by declining to label him disabled under the IDEA until his second-grade year.
Id.
Here, B.S. demonstrated no academic issues, social concerns, or disciplinary problems in
kindergarten or first grade. (ALJ Op. 125.) In fact, according to the District’s 504 Coordinator,
B.S. “was a very amiable bright little boy.” (/d. at 3-4; see also id. at 125.) Despite the lack of
classroom issues, the District implemented a 504 Plan for B.S.’s second grade year that included
several accommodations recommended by B.S.’s doctors.” (/d. at 4, 125-26.) This plan was
revisited and amended to add additional accommodations, even though based upon a teacher
evaluation, “it did not appear that B.S.’s disability was significantly impacting him in the
classroom.” (Id. at 4; see also id. at 127.) Furthermore, District faculty “routinely checked with
B.S.’s teachers to ensure that the 504 Plan was implemented.” (/d. at 4.) Finally, following another
request by Plaintiffs that B.S. be evaluated by the CST, the District evaluated B.S. and
* According to the District’s witness Ms. Casazza, “the 504 Plan was put in place because the parents were insistent that he required one.” (ALJ Op. 5.) “According to [Ms.] Casazza, B.S.’s teachers did not believe that he required a 504 Plan because he was functioning well in the classroom and never had any significant issues.” (/d. at 4.) As stated above, the ALJ found that the District’s witnesses all testified credibly and persuasively. (/d. at 124.)
implemented an IEP under the classification of “Other Health Impaired.” (/d. at 130.) The IEP
included several accommodations, and “as the year went on, a notable trend was seen in B.S.’s
progress with each quarter.” (/d. at 130-31.) At an annual IEP meeting, the District determined
that “[g]iven the progress that B.S. had made, the same type of program was [to be] offered...
with some minor changes that were appropriate for B.S.’s needs.” (/d. at 132.) Plaintiffs, however,
refused to consent to the implementation of the proposed IEP and the instant litigation ensued. (dd.
at 133.)
The record demonstrates that, throughout B.S.’s time in the District, the District was
accommodating of B.S.’s developmental and educational needs and offered adequate assistance.
The District also provided oversight to ensure that its plans were being implemented. As the Third Circuit held in Abington School District, “[ijt would be wrong to conclude that the . . . District
failed to identify [B.S.] as a challenged student” when it offered him such “substantial
accommodations.” 696 F.3d at 252. The Court, therefore, finds that there was no child find
violation and affirms the ALJ’s decision on this ground.
B. IEP and FAPE Analysis
Next, Plaintiffs argue that once B.S. was classified as a special education student, the
District’s IEP was an inadequate program that failed to provide B.S. with a FAPE. (Pls.” Moving
Br. 36-37.) Specifically, Plaintiffs maintain that the IEP failed to adequately address, inter alia,
B.S.’s: (1) reading comprehension and fluency issues, (id. at 37-38, 41-42 (B.S. struggled to
decode words, understand unfamiliar words, and properly understand “the entire point of a
story”)); (2) writing and spelling issues, (id. at 38-39 (B.S. had “immature” writing samples and
poor spelling)); (3) poor social skills, (id. at 39-41, 46 (B.S. is socially withdrawn and fails to pick
up on social cues, understand other’s perspectives, and flexibly think)); (4) poor handwriting, (id.
at 42-43 (B.S. suffered from “awkward positioning” and a lack of motor control and core
strength)); and (5) “attentional and sensory challenges,” (id. at 44 (B.S. “presents as a ‘fast thinker’
who lacks the efficiency to sync up his train of thought with his writing”)). Despite these issues
and challenges, Plaintiffs note that the District’s IEP only “provided for group speech therapy once
a week for thirty minutes, [a] social skills group[ twenty] times per year for thirty minutes, and
[occupational therapy] one time per month for [thirty] minutes.” (/d. at 46.) According to Plaintiffs,
B.S.’s struggles required individualized instruction and attention, which were not provided. (/d.)
Furthermore, Plaintiffs argue that B.S.’s gradual and somewhat stagnant progress with the 2017
IEP required revisions and changes in the 2018 IEP. (/d. at 47.) Plaintiffs claim that the District
again failed to provide these necessary changes. (/d. (“Yet the [EP remained the same for
2018-2019.”).) Plaintiffs, therefore, assert that the ALJ’s determination that the District provided
an adequate IEP and FAPE was an error and should be reversed.
“Considering an IEP’s appropriateness[, however,] is a question of fact, [and] the [ALJ’s]
determination should be considered prima facie correct in order to afford the [ALJ] due weight.”
C.S. v. Montclair Bd. of Educ., No. 16-3294, 2017 WL 4122433, at *5 (D.N.J. Sept. 18, 2017)
(citing Shore Reg’! High Sch. Bd. of Educ. v. P.S. ex rel. P.S., 381 F.3d 194, 199 (3d Cir. 2004));
see also H.M. ex rel. B.M. vy. Haddon Heights Bd. of Educ., 822 F. Supp. 2d 439, 453-54
(D.N.J. 2011) (noting that because “the ALJ made no factual finding with respect to whether
the ... IEPs provided” a FAPE, the ALJ’s determination was not considered prima facie correct).
The Court finds nothing in the record to cause it to divert from this presumption.
First, under the IDEA, the District is required to (1) “provide an ‘appropriate’ [EP, gauged
by whether the IEP is ‘sufficient to confer some educational benefit[,]’” and (2) “construct a
program in the least restrictive educational environment appropriate to the needs of the child.”
Carlisle Area Sch. v. Scott P. ex rel. Bess P., 62 F.3d 520, 533-34 (3d Cir. 1995) (quoting Bd. of
Educ. v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176, 200 (1982)). The District, therefore, was not required to provide
“the optimal level of services, or even a level that would confer additional benefits, since the IEP
require[s] ... only a basic floor of opportunity.” /d. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
Here, the ALJ noted this requirement and correctly concluded that the District’s IEP constituted a
FAPE “with the opportunity for meaningful educational benefit and progress appropriate in light
of B.S.’s circumstances[.]” (ALJ Op. 135-36.) In her analysis, the ALJ found the following as
facts:
As part of [B.S.’s] programming and related services the IEP proposed that B.S. receive in-class resource (support) in reading/language arts, math, science[,] and social studies. He would also receive pull-out supplementary instruction in reading/language arts for the same period of time. Additionally, he would receive [speech therapy] group once a week for thirty minutes and [occupational therapy] for thirty minutes (1x month) and social skills group—[thirty] minutes (20x yearly).
In order to prevent regression in B.S.[’s] social skills, language skills (including pragmatic/social skills), [occupational therapy,] and academic skills, the IEP also offered B.S. the ESY program. The program included in-class services for reading/language arts, math, social skills group and related arts[,] and pull-out services for {speech therapy g]roup.
The accommodations and modifications included in the IEP among other things included: allowing extra time for task completion; allow[ing] typed rather than handwritten response; use of daily routine; frequently checking for understanding; modeling; smal! group instruction; directions repeated, clarified[,] or reworded; read{ing] directions aloud; us[ing] interest to increase motivation; additional time to complete classroom tests/quizzes; modified tests/quizzes; allow[ing] typed rather than handwritten responses; preferential seating; arrang[ing] private signal to cue student to off-task behavior; provid[ing} short breaks to focus attention; edit[ing] written work with teacher guidance; us[ing] social skills group to teach skills and provide feedback; use of [Chromebook] for all writing tasks within the classroom; [and the] availability of speech-to-text on the Chromebook for all writing tasks within the classroom.
(ALJ Op. 130-31 (citations omitted).)
The Court cannot find that such extensive accommodations do not confer some educational
benefit upon B.S. Accordingly, the Court finds that the District’s 2017 [EP and its 2018 proposed
IEP were appropriate and provided B.S. with a FAPE. The Court, therefore, affirms the ALJ’s
decision in this ground.*
C. Plaintiffs’ Additional Arguments
Plaintiffs also argue that (1) they were reasonable in placing B.S. at the Flex School and,
therefore, should be reimbursed for the costs associated with the placement, (see generally Pls.’
Moving Br. 58-64), and (2) the ALJ erred in discounting the credibility of Plaintiffs’ witnesses,
whose testimonies should have established that the District failed to provide B.S. with a FAPE,
(see generally id. at 48-58).
First, “[the] IDEA gives the courts authority to grant appropriate relief, including the
reimbursement of parents for the cost of a private school placement when (i) the school district
had failed to provide the child with an appropriate [EP and (ii) the private placement would meet
the child’s needs.” Montclair, 2017 WL 4122433, at *7 (citing Sch. Comm. v. Dep't of Educ., 471
U.S. 359, 370-71 (1985)). As discussed above, however, the Court finds that the District’s 2017
IEP and 2018 proposed IEP were appropriate. Accordingly, the first condition for reimbursement
cannot be met and Plaintiffs’ argument fails.
Second, “if a state administrative agency [in an IDEA case] has heard live testimony and
has found the testimony of one witness to be more worthy of belief than the contradictory
>The ALJ also held that the District’s IEPs were offered in the least restrictive environment. (ALJ Op. 136.) Because the IEPs permitted B.S. to remain in general education classrooms, (id. at 9-10, 138), B.S. showed progress under the IEP, (id. at 132, 138), and the ALJ’s findings of fact are considered prima facie correct, Bayonne, 602 F.3d at 564, the Court finds that the District offered B.S. the IEPs in the least restrictive environment. See 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(5)(A) (“To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities . .. are educated with children who are not disabled, and . . . separate schooling . . . occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes . . . cannot be achieved satisfactorily.”).
testimony of another witness, that determination is due special weight.” Shore Reg'l, 381 F.3d
at 199 (citation omitted). “Specifically, this means that a [d]istrict [c]ourt must accept the state
agency's credibility determinations unless the non-testimonial, extrinsic evidence in the record
would justify a contrary conclusion.” /d. (emphasis added) (internal quotation marks and citation
omitted). Here, Plaintiffs’ argument is based on testimonial evidence. (See, e.g., Pls.” Moving
Br. 52 (“{The District’s] own expert, Ms. Berger, did nothing to undermine the credible testimony
and findings of Ms. Elleseff. In fact, she agreed with most of Ms. Elleseff's conclusions.”); see
generally id. 48-58.) Plaintiffs’ argument, therefore, cannot overcome the deference afforded to
the ALJ’s determinations and, accordingly, fails.
IV. CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the Court will affirm the ALJ's decision. The District's
Motion for Summary Judgment is granted, and Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment is
denied.
it | MICHAEL A. SHIPP UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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