Opinion ID: 4541297
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Implementation of IEP

Text: At Ridgecrest, when O.W. engaged in inappropriate conduct (known as “target behavior”), he was provided a “redirection,” then a warning, then two warnings, and then directed to a desk (take-desk) in the classroom for a five minute period (Take 5) or a ten minute period (Take 10). During these periods, O.W. was given the opportunity to pursue replacement behavior, such as drawing. Disciplinary records show O.W. was placed in a Take 5 or Take 10 on sixteen of his forty days at Ridgecrest. In addition to the take-discipline, O.W. was physically restrained on eight occasions. Each instance of restraint was preceded by physical aggression by O.W. and attempts at de-escalation by Ridgecrest staff. On at least four occasions, Ridgecrest summoned police as a result of O.W.’s behavior. However, because O.W. often calmed down before the police arrived, it appears the police spoke with O.W. only once. On May 5, 2015, police were summoned to O.W.’s classroom after teachers attempted de-escalation (providing choices of alternative activities, verbal redirection, calming techniques, and reduced verbal interaction); O.W. repeatedly struck his teacher with a closed fist and then charged at her; and the teachers restrained O.W. Upon entering the classroom, the officer “stated to [O.W.] who was in charge, and [then] asked if he wanted to go to jail.” The officer also asked if O.W. “remembered why he was in a cop car last time.” After the interaction with police, O.W. “picked his ears until they were bloody and oozing,” “chewed his shirt,” and was unable to sleep or shower by himself. The day after the police intervention occurred, Ridgecrest faculty and Ms. W., without consultation with O.W.’s ARDC, agreed in writing that O.W.’s school day should begin at 9 a.m. instead of the normal 7:30 a.m. On May 18, 2015, school officials and Ms. W. agreed that O.W.’s school day should be 8 Case: 18-20274 Document: 00515451413 Page: 9 Date Filed: 06/12/2020 No. 18-20274 shortened to three hours, from 9 a.m. until noon. The e-mail memorializing this agreement states, “this means a brief ARD [but] that he will begin the schedule tomorrow.” Ultimately, at the suggestion of Dr. Powell-Williams, O.W. left Ridgecrest with three days left in the school year. E. Fusion Academy and Administrative Proceedings The following summer, O.W.’s parents enrolled him for tutoring at Fusion Academy, a private institution. Because O.W.’s parents and teachers noticed an improvement in O.W.’s behavior and performance, O.W.’s parents elected to enroll O.W. at Fusion for the 2015–2016 academic year. On August 14, 2015, less than ten days before the beginning of the School District’s school year, O.W.’s parents informed the School District that O.W. would not be reenrolling. O.W. attended Fusion for the 2015–2016 academic year. However, on February 16, 2017, O.W. set fire to a school trash can. Due to this incident O.W. was removed from school and O.W.’s parents were informed he would not be allowed to return until he received “intervention.” Following his removal, the W.’s enrolled O.W. at Little Keswick, a residential school in Virginia. O.W.’s parents filed an administrative complaint against the School District on October 28, 2015. The complaint sought reimbursement for private school tuition, private placement, and other equitable relief. On February 23, 2016, O.W.’s parents filed an amended administrative complaint. 7 The parties appeared for an administrative hearing on May 24, 2016. On August 5, 2016, the hearing officer issued a decision in O.W.’s favor on four issues, finding that (1) the School District violated its child find obligation because it did not timely refer O.W. for a special education 7 The amendment added three allegations not contained in the original complaint related to alleged failures to convene ARDC meetings, and a failure to provide a FAPE for the 2014–2015 academic year and beyond. 9 Case: 18-20274 Document: 00515451413 Page: 10 Date Filed: 06/12/2020 No. 18-20274 evaluation; (2) the School District failed to provide O.W. a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for the 2014–2015 academic year because it did not timely fulfill its child find duties, because it violated his IEP by placing him in school for only three hours a day, and because O.W., who was gifted and talented, was failing math; (3) the reduction of hours in May 2015 deprived O.W. of a commensurate school day; and (4) the School District failed to implement O.W.’s IEP because it used restraints, time-outs, and police intervention, and reduced O.W.’s school hours. Based on these findings, the hearing officer determined that O.W. was entitled to reimbursement from the School District for $50,250 in tuition and tutoring for O.W.’s enrollment at Fusion for the 2015–2016 academic year, and that O.W. was entitled to a compensatory education award of tuition for Fusion for the 2016–2017 school year. F. District Court Proceedings On August 30, 2016, the School District appealed the administrative decision to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. The administrative appeal was consolidated with a separate fee petition filed by O.W.’s parents which seeks attorney’s fees for the underlying administrative action. The parties filed cross motions for summary judgment on the hearing officer’s decision. Additionally, the W.’s sought an order that the School District pay $125,000 for O.W.’s tuition at Little Keswick as a “stay put” 8 remedy. The district court denied the request for “stay put” relief, finding that a “newly articulated program proposed by” the School District which would provide 8 The IDEA’s “stay put” provision provides that “during the pendency of any proceedings conducted pursuant to this section, unless the State or local educational agency and the parents otherwise agree, the child shall remain in the then-current educational placement of the child . . . .” 20 U.S.C. § 1415(j). 10 Case: 18-20274 Document: 00515451413 Page: 11 Date Filed: 06/12/2020 No. 18-20274 O.W. one-on-one instruction “is the appropriate stay-put placement during the pendency of this appeal given O.W.[’s] inability to continue attending Fusion Academy.” On March 29, 2018, the district court granted the W.’s summary judgment motion, affirmed the hearing officer’s decision, and denied the School District’s motion for summary judgment. This appeal followed. During the pendency of the appeal, two amicus briefs were filed—one by the Council of Parent Attorneys and one by Disability Rights Texas. Both briefs support the district court’s decision.