Pennsylvania
Special Education Hearing Officer
DECISION
Child’s Name: [REDACTED]
Date of Birth: [REDACTED]
Dates of Hearing: July 16, July 18, July 25, August 13, August 18, 1008
OPEN HEARING
ODR No. 8729/07-08 LS
Parties to the Hearing:
Donna Kapes
5032 Mohawk Drive Schnecksville, PA 18078
Joseph Kapes
146 Briar Lane Weatherly, PA 18255
Robert Thornburg
Director of Student Services Parkland School District 1210 Springhouse Road Allentown, PA 18104-2119
Representative: Pro Se
Pro Se
Joanne D. Sommer, Esq. Eastburn and Gray, P.C. 60 East Court Street Doylestown, PA 18901
Date Record Closed: August 23, 2008
Date of Decision: September 6, 2008
Hearing Officer: Daniel J. Myers
INTRODUCTION AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
[REDACTED] (Student)1 is a teenage, high-functioning autistic student who has met the School District’s graduation requirements. Student contends that s/he was denied a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) over the last two school years and Student contests the proposed educational program and placement offered by the School District for the upcoming school year. For the reasons described below, I find for the Student.
ISSUES
- Whether the School District provided FAPE to Student for the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school years?
- Whether the School District’s proposed 2008-2008 program and placement is appropriate?