C.S. et al v. MONTCLAIR BOARD OF EDUCATION

Filing 43

OPINION. Signed by Chief Judge Jose L. Linares on 9/18/17. (cm, )

NOT FOR PUBLICATION
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

Civil Action No.: 16-3294 (JLL)

C.S. and S.S. o/b/o K.S.,
Plaintiffs,

OPINION

V.

MONTCLAIR BOARD OF EDUCATION,
Defendant.

LINARES, Chief District Judge.

This matter comes before the Court by way of Motion for Summary Judgment by the
Defendant, Montclair Board of Education (“Defendant”). (ECF No. 40). Plaintiffs, C.S. and S.S.
(“Plaintiffs”), have opposed Defendant’s motion and Cross-Moved for Partial Summary Judgment.
(ECF No. 41). Defendant has opposed Plaintiffs’ cross motion. (ECF No. 42). The Court decides
this matter without oral argument pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 78.1. For the reasons
stated herein, Plaintiffs’ Cross Motion is denied and Defendant’s Motion is granted.

I.

factual Background

Plaintiffs are the parents of minor child K.S. (ECF No. 40-2 (“Def. SMf”)

¶

1). Plaintiffs

and K.S. reside within the geographical school area sewed by Defendant. (Def. SMF
No. 41-1 (“P1. SMF”)

¶

¶ 2;

ECF

5). This case centers around a May 16, 2014 Individualized Education

Plan (“IEP”) prepared by Defendant for K.S.. who, was eight years old and would have been
entering second-grade in the school district at the time the IEP was prepared. (Def. SMF

¶J 3-4).

K.S. is a student with physical and mental impairments. (P1. SMF
his birth at 30 weeks gestation, K.S. suffered a traumatic brain injury. (Id.

¶J 3,7).
¶ 26).

Shortly after

from the early

age of three months, K.S. began receiving support from occupational and physical therapists,
among other professionals. (Id.

¶ 28-30).

K.S. was first enrolled in the Montclair School District in 2010 for a part-time preschool
(P1. SMf

program.

¶

12).

At that time, Defendant’s Child Study Team classified K.S. as

“Preschool Disabled” and therefore eligible for services pursuant to the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”). (Id.). After several days, however, Plaintiffs decided to
remove K.$. from Defendant’s part-time preschool program and enroll him in a frill day pre-K
14). In 2012, Plaintiffs re-enrolled K.S. in the Montclair School District.

program. (P1. SMF

¶

(Def. SMf

During the academic years of 2012 through 2014, Plaintiffs worked with

¶

14).

Defendant to develop various TEPs that would meet K.S.’s educational and physical needs. (Def.
SMf

¶J

16-26). While the IEP team revised and amended the IEP several times, it is the IEP

proposed to Plaintiffs in May 16, 2014 —for K.S.’s second-grade year— that is at the center of
this dispute.
Under the May 16, 2014 proposed TIP, K.S. would “receive all academic classes in a small,
self-contained, [kindergarten through second-grade (“K-2”)] classroom.” (Def. SMf

¶ 32).

The

proposed K-2 classroom was to have approximately twelve students, and was to be taught by
Colleen Markham, a certified special education teacher. (Id.
physical and occupational therapy sessions. (Id.

¶

34). The IEP also provided for

¶ 33).

K.S.’s Parents were not satisfied with the May 16, 2014 IEP.

(P1. SMF

¶

143-45).

Accordingly, they emolled K.S. at Winston Preparatory School (“Winston Prep”) on July 25, 2014,

2

and notified the Disti-ict of same on August 4, 2014. (Def SMF
2014, K.S. began his education at Winston Prep. (Id.
II.

¶J 43-44).

On September 14,

¶ 46).

Procedural History

On June 11, 2014, the Parents filed for mediation with Defendant. (Def. SMF
Parties were unable to resolve the matter through mediation. (P1. SMF

¶

¶ 42).

The

8-9). On August 6,

2014, Plaintiffs filed an Amended Petition with the New Jersey Department of Education in which
they requested that K.S. be placed in Winston Prep and that they be reimbursed for tuition. (Def.
SMF ¶ 6). Defendant’s filed an Answer to Plaintiffs’ Amended Petition on October 10, 2014. (Id.

¶ 7).

The matter then was tried before New Jersey Administrative Law Judge Leland S. McGee

(“AU”) over the course of four days. (Id.

¶ 8).

During the trial, AU heard testimony from nine

witnesses and admitted a number of exhibits into evidence. (Id.). The record was closed on
September 21, 2015. On May 19, 2016, AU issued a decision on this matter. (Id.

¶ 9).

AU McGee framed the issues before him as follows: (i) whether the school district
committed a procedural violation that denied K.S. a free, appropriate public education (“FAPE”);
and (ii) whether its proposed 2014-2015 school year IEP offered FAPE, or specifically, a
‘meaningful benefit’ to K.S. given his disabilities, such that Plaintiffs are

not

entitled to

reimbursement or tuition and related expenses for unilateral placement at a private school without
the district’s consent.

(ECF No. 40-4 (“AU Op.”) at 3).

In short, AU McGee found that

Defendant’s IEP offered K.S. a FAPE and accordingly denied Plaintiffs’ claim for reimbursement
of K.S.’s tuition at Winston Prep. (Id. at 34).
The IDEA provides that a party aggrieved by the administrative procedures shall have the
right to appeal that detenriination to the district court. 20 U.S.C.

§

141 5(i)(2)(A). Accordingly,

on June 7, 2016, Plaintiffs filed the instant action appealing the AU’s findings.

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The Parties have cross-moved for summary judgment.

Defendant seeks a judgment

“affirming Judge McGee’s determination that the Proposed IEP was designed to confer a
meaningful educational benefit upon K.S. and/or, in the alternative, finding that Winston Prep does
not offer[] K.S. an appropriate program designed to meet all of his individualized educational
needs.” (Def.’s Mov. Br. at 2). Plaintiffs, on the other hand, seek judgment from this Court: (1)
reversing AU’s May 19, 2016 Final Decision, in its entirety; (2) holding that the Board failed to
meet its burden of proving that the May 16, 2014 IEP and proposed placement in the K-2 selfcontained class would provide K.S. with a FAPE as required by the IDEA, Section 504, and the
ADA; (3) ruling that Winston Prep does offer K.S. a FAPE and directing the District to place K.S.
there moving forward, and; (4) reimbursing Plaintiffs for the cost of K.S.’s placement in Winston
Prep, including tuition, transportation and other expenses. Finally, Plaintiffs seek reasonable
attorneys’ fees, costs, expenses, and expert expenses incurred during the course of the
administrative procedures and in connection with the pending action.

Legal Standard

III.

A. Summary Judgment Standard

A court shall grant summary judgment under Rule 56(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure if “A party asserting that a fact cannot be or is genuinely disputed must support the
assertion by: (a) citing to particular parts of materials in the record, including depositions,
documents, electronically stored infonnation, affidavits or declarations, stipulations (including
those made for purposes of the motion only), admissions, interrogatory answers, or other materials;
or (b) showing that the materials cited do not establish the absence or presence of a genuine dispute,
or that an adverse party cannot produce admissible evidence to support the fact.” Fed.R.Civ.P.
56(c)(1).
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On a summary judgment motion, the moving party must show, first, that no genuine issue
of material fact exists. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323 (1986). The burden then shifis
to the non-moving party to present evidence that a genuine issue of material fact compels a trial.
Id. at 324. In so presenting, the non-moving party must offer specific facts that establish a genuine
issue of material fact, not just “some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts.” Matsttshita Etec.
Indtts. Co., Ltd. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574. 586—87 (1986). Thus, the non-moving party
may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials in its pleadings. See Cetotex, 477 U.S. at 324.
further, the non-moving party cannot rely on unsupported assertions, bare allegations, or
speculation to defeat summary judgment. See Ridgewood 3d. of Educ. v. N.E. cx ret. ME., 172
F.3d 238, 252 (3d Cir. 1999). The Court must, however, consider all facts and their reasonable
inferences in the light most favorable to the non-moving party. See Pa. Coat Ass”n v. Babbitt, 63
F.3d 231, 236 (3d Cir. 1995).

B. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”)

The IDEA is a “comprehensive scheme of federal legislation designed to meet the special
educational needs of children with disabilities” and it provides federal funds to assist states “in
providing educational services to children with disabilities,” subject to the condition “that states
meet a number of substantive and procedural criteria.” MA. cx ret. E.S. v. State-Operated Sc/i.
Dist., 344 F.3d 335, 338 & n.4 (3d Cir. 2003). Two important concepts within the IDEA are FAPE

and IEP. The IDEA provides for reimbursement and compensatory education and sets a process
for relief.
1. Free, Appropriate Public Education (“FAPE”)
The IDEA requires those states that “provide special education funds [and that] are eligible
for federal funds to implement state-wide special education programs that guarantee a FAPE to
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eligible disabled children.” CG v. Pa. Dep’t ofEdtic., 734 F.3d 229, 232 (3d Cir. 2013) (citing 20
U.S.C.

§ 1412(a)(l)(A)). According to the Supreme Court, a FAPE consists of “educational

instruction specially designed to meet the unique needs of the handicapped child, supported by
such services as are necessary to permit the child ‘to benefit’ from the instruction.” 3d. ofEdttc.
ofHendrick Hztdson Cent. Sch. Dist., Westchester Cnty. v. Rowley, 45$ U.S. 176, 188-89 (1982)
(summarizing 20 U.S.C.

§ 140 1(9)). There is a preference for “mainstreaming,” meaning that a

child shotild be placed in the least restrictive environment that will provide him with a meaningful
educational benefit. L.E. v. Ramsey 3d. ofEduc., 435 F.3d 384, 390 (3d Cir. 2006).
2. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The “center-piece” of the IDEA is the IEP. See D.S. v. Bayonne 3d. ofEthic., 602 F.3d 553,
557 (3d Cir. 2010). There are numerous procedural and substantive criteria that must be met for
an IEP to be deemed satisfactory. See 20 U.S.C.

§ 14 14(d). “The IDEA does not set forth definitive

guidelines for the fonnulation of an IEP, but at a minimum, [tihe IEP must be ‘reasonably
calculated’ to enable the child to receive ‘meaningful educational benefits’ in light of the student’s
‘intellectual potential.” ferren C. v. Sch. Dist. ofPhila., 612 F.3d 71 717 (3d Cir. 2010) (citations
omitted). “The right to a FAPE ensures that students with special education needs receive the type
of education that will ‘prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.”
Id. (quoting 20 U.S.C.

§ 1400(d) (l)(A)). However, school districts are not required to “maximize

the potential” of each student.

Menu

v. Pottsville Area Sch. Dist., 723 F.3d 423, 426 (3d Cir.

2013) (citations omitted). School districts work with parents to design the IEP, which “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.”
Ridley Sc/i. Dist.

i.

MR., 680 F.3d 260, 269 (3d Cir. 2012) (internal quotation marks omitted); see

6

also 34 C.F.R.

§ 300 etseq. (relevant federal regulations); N.J.A.C. § 6A:14 etseq. (New Jersey’s

codification of the IDEA requirements, which follow the federal requirements).
3. Reimbursement and Compensatory Education
The IDEA allows for reimbursement. See Sc/i. Comm. of Town of Bitrflngton, Mass. v.
Dep’t ofEditc. of Mass., 471 U.S. 359, 370 (1985) (“[W]e are confident that by empowering the
court to grant ‘appropriate’ relief Congress meant to include retroactive reimbursement to parents
as an available remedy in a proper case.”); see also 20 U.S.C.

§ 14l2(a)(10)(C)(ii). To be eligible

for reimbursement, a district must have failed to provide a FAPE, and the placement must be
proper. Id. A private placement is “proper” if it (1) is “appropriate,” i.e., it provides “significant
learning” and confers “meaningful benefit,” and (2) is provided in the least restrictive educational
environment. Lauren W cx ret. Jean Wv. DeFlaminis, 480 F.3d 259. 276 (3d Cir. 2007) (citation
omitted).
4. Process for Relief under the IDEA
“When a party objects to the adequacy of the education provided, the construction of the
IEP, or some related matter, IDEA provides procedural recourse: [i]t requires that a State provide
[am opportunity for any party to present a complaint

...

with respect to any matter relating to the

identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child, or the provision of [a FAPE] to
such child.” Winketman cx rd Winkelman v. Farma City Sch. Dist., 550 U.S. 516, 525 (2007)
(quoting 20 U.S.C.

§ 1415(b)(6)). In practice, this takes the form of an administrative proceeding

centered around an “impartial due process” hearing, 20 U.S.C.

§ 1415(f)(1), afler which “the IDEA

permits an aggrieved party to bring a civil action in any court.” S.H. v. Lower Merion Sch. Dist.,
729 F.3d 248, 257 (3d Cir. 2013) (citing 20 U.S.C.

7

§ 1415(i)(2)(A)).

C. Standard of District Court’s Review of Administrative Law Judge’s Conclusions

In reviewing an administrative law judge’s decision under the IDEA, this Court applies a
modified de novo review, giving “due weight and deference” to the administrative findings. D.S.,
602 F.3d at 564. Factual findings from the proceedings below receive the benefit of prima fitcie
colTectness. Shore Reg? High Sc/i. 3d. ofEdttc. v. P.S., 381 F.3d 194, 199 (3rd Cir. 2004). Also,
if the administrative law judge heard live testimony and made credibility determinations, such
determinations are given special weight and this Court may disturb them only upon a finding that
non-testimonial extrinsic evidence justifies a contrary conclusion. D.S., 602 F.3d at 564-65.
Credibility determinations by an administrative law judge can include implicit decisions indicated

in the record by acceptance of evidence in the administrative law judge’s opinion. Id. at 566 n. 7.
A district court is not permitted to impose its own theories regarding educational methods upon
the states. Id. at 564.
IV.

Analysis

After examining the statements of facts and legal arguments submitted by both parties, this
Court concludes that the arguments boil down to four main areas of debate: (i) the AU’s credibility
determination, (ii) the procedural and substantive appropriateness of the District’s May 16, 2014
IEP as a FAPE, (iii) whether Plaintiffs can be reimbursed for enrolling in Winston Prep, and (iv)
whether Defendant discriminated against K.S. under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
This Court will analyze each of these arguments in turn.
A. AU Credibility

After hearing the testimony of eight witnesses over the course of several days, the AU
issued an opinion in Defendant’s favor. The ALl first provided a “summary of facts and procedural
history,” in which he included descriptions of each of the Parties’ witnesses as well as a detailed
8

history of K.S.’s prior involvement with Defendant, containing iterations of IEPs. (AU Op. at 8-

18). The AU then summarized the testimony of the various witnesses with respect to the adequacy
of the May 16 2014 IEP. (AU Op. at 2 1-26). In its conclusion, the AU then determined that the
May 16 2014 IEP was appropriate for K.S. and that it was in the least restrictive environment,
regardless of Plaintiffs’ belief that Winston Prep was a “better” option for their child. (AU Op.
at p. 27). AU McGee based this determination in part on the fact that Defendant made repeated
adjustments to the program to accommodate K.S.’s academic and therapeutic needs consistent with
the expert testimony of Plaintiffs’ witnesses, including physically modifying the school building.
(Id.).
Plaintiffs nevertheless argue that the decision of the AU should be overturned because he
did not explicitly analyze the credibility of any witnesses in his opinion. (ECF No. 41 at 7).
According to Plaintiffs, ALl McGee should have specifically stated which portions he found not
credible and explained his reasoning. (Id.) (referencing G.S. v. Cranbury Twp. 3d. OfEduc., No.
10-774, 2011 WL 1584321 (D.N.J. Apr. 26, 2011)). Instead, according to Plaintiffs, the AU
merely stated his conclusions, mentioning the word “credibility” only once and never elaborated
on the testimony he found credible. (Id.).
The aforesaid credibility standard offered by Plaintiffs is misplaced. As stated above,
credibility can be implicitly determined by an AU’s acceptance of evidence. D.S., 602 F.3d at 566
n.7. As Defendant has appropriately pointed out. the credibility detenuination in this case was
fairly straightforward: Plaintiffs presented two witnesses who directly contradicted the
Defendant’s position on the proposed IEP. (ECF No. 40 at 5-6). When AU ruled in favor of
Defendant and summarized the various testimony, he implicitly determined the credibility and

weight of each witness and clearly found Plaintiffs’ witnesses less persuasive. (Id. at 6-7). Thus,

9

it is not material that the AU did not give a more detailed analysis on the credibility of each of the
witnesses.
Therefore, applying the proper standard, Plaintiffs have not offered sufficient evidence to
overrule the AU’s credibility determination. If AU McGee heard live testimony and made
credibility detenuinations, as apparently he did here, such determinations are given special weight
and this Court may disturb them only if this Court finds that non-testimonial extrinsic evidence
justifies a contrary conclusion. D.$., 602 F.3d at 564. In this case, Plaintiffs’ credibility arguments
was limited to the analysis of the testimony of various witnesses, which qualifies as testimonial.
(See ECF No. 41 at 9). This Court previously dealt with a similar scenario in New Milford Bd. of
Edtcc. v. C.R., No. 09-328, 2010 U.S. Dist. Lexis 61895, 10-11 (D.N.J. Jun. 22, 2010), and found
that a credibility argument based solely on the testimony of an opponent’s witness plus cross
examination did not justify rejecting the AU’s determinations. The aforesaid conclusion was
partially based on the benefit the administrative law judge had in hearing the testimony firsthand.
Id. Here, given the fact that Plaintiffs’ argument is based on testimonial evidence, there are no
material facts that overcome the due deference afforded AU’s credibility determination.
B. FAPE Analysis

This Court also rejects Plaintiffs’ arguments concerning the May 16 2014 IEP. Congress
does not define what is a FAPE, the Supreme Court however has interpreted this requirement to
mean the school district must prove the IEP offers an education “reasonably calculated to provide
meaningful educational benefit to the child,” which is more than de minimums. Rowley, 458 U.S.
at 192. Considering an IEP’s appropriateness is a question of fact, the administrative law judge’s
determination should be considered prima fade correct in order to afford the administrative law
judge due weight. Shore Reg’l High Sc/i. Bd. offthtc., 381 F.3d at 199.

10

In this case, Defendant was proposing in the May 16, 2014 that K.S.’s second grade education
consist of a self-contained class of no more than twelve students for academics, integrated
individual/small group physical therapy, a social skills group, and the remainder of the day in
general education classes. (ECF No. 40 at 11-12). The self-contained classroom would have four
paraprofessionals and led by a certified special education teacher with ten years’ experience
working in this kind of classroom. (Id. at 12). As discussed in the previous section,

sttpra

IV.A,

AU McGee found this purposed IEP to be appropriate and ruled in favor of Defendant.
Plaintiffs raise both a procedural violation and a substantive appropriateness argument
against the May 16 2014 IEP. This Court finds that neither argument to be persuasive given the
due weight that must be afforded to an AU’s factual detenninations.
1. Procedural Violation
Plaintiffs’ first argument is that Defendant committed a procedural violation depriving K.S.
of a FAPE when it did

not

allow Plaintiffs to observe Defendant’s proposed placement. (ECF No.

41 at 10). As Plaintiffs state in their brief, a procedural violation deprives a student of a FAPE
when it (i) impedes the child’s right to FAPE, (ii) significantly impedes the parents’ opportunity
to participate in the decision-making process regarding the provision of FAPE to their child, or
(iii) caused a deprivation of educational benefits. (ECF No. 41 at 11 (citing 20 U.S.C.l4l5
(f)(3)(E): 34 C.F.R. 300.513(a)(2); N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.7; C.H. v. Cape Henlopen Sc/i. Dist., 606
F.3d 59, 67 (3d Cir. 2010))). Here, Plaintiffs argue their opportunity to participate in decision
making was significantly impeded when they were denied the ability to observe the self-contained
classroom in Defendant’s May 16 2014 IEP. (ECF No. 41 at 11 (relying on the undisputed
testimony of Ruth Rohrer-Orozco and S.S.)).

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Even if these actions did amount to a procedural violation, this Court, like the AU before
it, is unpersuaded that Plaintiffs’ inability to observe the proposed self-contained class impeded
their decision making or prejudiced K.S.’s education. (See AU Decision at p. 30). Indeed, the
May 16, 2014 IEP contained many of the recommendations and modifications made by Plaintiffs’
privately retained neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Jane Healy.

(ECF No. 40 at 15). Specifically, the

proposed JEP included many of Plaintiffs concerns, some of which were K.S.’s weakness in
executive functioning, receiving metacognition strategies, and teachers with experience teaching
students with traumatic brain injury. (ECF No. 40 at 17). F urthermore, Plaintiffs attended all
relevant meetings and were given opportunity to voice their concerns. (See Id.). Though Plaintiffs
did not observe the self-contained classes, the case manager gave them a general idea by explaining
what it would look like and how it would be implemented. (Id.). Based on this record, Plaintiffs
nevertheless were involved in every part of the decision making process. Thus, in this light there
is no evidence Plaintiffs inability to observe the self-contained class room was a significant
impediment depriving K.S. of a FAPE.
2. Appropriateness of TEP
The second issue Plaintiffs raise is whether the proposed May 16, 2014 IEP was reasonably
calculated to lead to meaningful progress in K.S.’s unique areas of need. As Plaintiffs correctly
identify, K.S. undisputedly has a host of very serious disabilities either directly related to or
correlated with his traumatic brain injury. (ECF No. 41 at 23-24). These disabilities include
reading and writing, math skills, weak working memory, and distractibility.

(Id.). Both the

Plaintiffs and Defendant agree that K.S. needed a smaller setting, decreased distractions, increased
individualized academic support, and improved ability to work independently and with
consistency. (ECF No. 40 at 11; ECF No. 41 at 25). Though the parties agree regarding the

12

aforementioned needs, Plaintiffs allege that the District’s plan nevertheless fell short in several
ways. First, Plaintiffs assert that although the self-contained class is smaller than the general class,
it does not offer one-on-one support. (ECF No. 41 at 25-26). Second, the IEP does not account
for K.S.’s distractibility. (Id.). Third, Plaintiffs argue that important aids were missing from the
IEP such as a scribe, strategies for K.S.’s memory issues and processing speed, and other
modifications from the expert testimony.

(Id. at 28). Finally, Plaintiffs assert a need for

consistency in the strategies and support that is being offered, and are concerned that the various
teachers involved in Defendant’s IEP are not given any time for joint planning and communication
to achieve this need. (Id. at 9).
Despite Plaintiffs’ concerns, AU McGee determined that the JEP conferred a meaningful
benefit to K.S. and would qualify as a FAPE. (ECF No. 40 at 13). This determination makes sense
when one considers that in most regards Defendant’s IEP lined up exactly with the
recommendations Plaintiffs’ experts purposed. (ECF No. 40 at 10). As stated above, Defendant
relied heavily on both Plaintiffs’ concerns and the expert report created by Dr. Healy. (Id. at 15).
Furthermore, both of Plaintiffs’ experts
findings

—

—

specificaLly Dr. Healy’s reports and Mishkin’s factual

supported the appropriateness of the May 16, 2014 IEP. (See Id. at 10-13 (explaining

that Dr. Healy’s report did not conclude that the District’s treatment up till that point had been
inappropriate, and Mishkin eventually conceded the IEP was appropriate)).
Defendant contends that K.S. would receive adequate individual attention because the
students are divided by skill level and the teachers have ample time to give appropriate care. (Id.
at 13). Furthenuore, Defendant argues that as to distractibility concerns, though Plaintiffs’ expert
found the self-contained class visually stimulating, she also commented on how focused and well
behaved the children were. (Id. at 12). It may be true that some aid would be missing from the

1-’

Ii

classroom, but plenty was provided including four paraprofessionals lead by a special education
teacher with ten years’ experience working in the self-contained classroom. (Id.). Defendant also
points out that it provided additional aid through physical modifications to the building to support
K.S.’s needs. (AU Decision at p. 27).
This Court finds that while the IEP purposed by Defendant may not have been perfect, AU

McGee correctly determined that it would definitely meaningfully benefit K.S.’s education, which
is what the FAPE standard requires. As previously discussed, the AU’s factual determinations are
to be taken by this Court as prima fade correct. Here, there is plenty of evidence to support AU
McGee’s decision and based on the record before this Court nothing seems to properly contradict
his findings. (Id. at 13). Therefore, this Court finds that the IEP was meaningfully beneficial, and
that, the May 16 2014 IF? was appropriate both procedurally and substantively and thus qualified

as a FAPE.
C. Reimbursement for Winston Prep

This Court finds that Plaintiffs are not entitled to reimbursement for K.S. attending Winston

Prep. 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 IEP and (ii) the private placement would meet the child’s needs. Sch.
Comm. of the Town of Bttrlington v. Mass. Dep’t of Educ., 471 U.S. 359, 370 -71 (1985). This

standard is still applied when the child is now in private school but previously received special
education under the authority of a public agency. See 20 U.S.C.

§ 1412(a)(10)(C)(ii).

As discussed in the previous section, supra Part IV.B, Defendant’s May 16 2014 IEP was
appropriate and so the first condition for reimbursement cannot be met. Thus, no further analysis
is required to conclude that Plaintiff cannot be reimbursed. This Court, therefore, finds that

14

Plaintiffs are not entitled to summary judgment as to its IDEA claims, that AU’s decision shall
not be disturbed, and that Defendant is entitled to summary judgment.
U. Section 504 Discrimination

Similarly, this Court finds against Plaintiffs’ Section 504 claims. Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities

by any “program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” 29 U.S.C.

§ 794; 34 C.F.R.

104.1. In order to make this claim, Plaintiffs must establish that K.S. “(i) has a disability; (ii) was
otherwise qualified to participate in a school program; and (iii) was denied the benefits of the
program-n or was otherwise subject to discrimination because of his disability.” Sliadie v. Haze/ton
Area Sch. Dist., 580 Fed. Appx. 67, 70 (3rd Circ. 2014).
Plaintiffs contend Defendant did not meet K.S.’s needs as adequately as Defendant meets the
needs of his nondisabled peers. (ECF No. 41 at 49). However, Plaintiffs provide no evidence to
support that claim except stating Defendant did not offer a FAPE. (ECF No. 40 at 28). As the
court has already determined above, supra part IV.B, Defendant did provide a FAPE. In fact, the
record before this court does not support an assertion of discrimination as Defendant was
responsive to both Plaintiffs and K.S.’s demonstrated weaknesses, and that there is ample evidence
in the record to support that Defendant did not discriminate against K.$. in offering its May 16
2014 IEP. Therefore, this Court finds that Plaintiffs are not entitled to summary on its Section 504
discrimination claim.

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V.

Conclusion.

For all of the reason’s set forth above, this court finds for, and enters judgment in favor of,
Defendant, and, Plaintiffs’ Cross Motion for Summary Judgment and Attorney’s Fees is denied.

JQ4E’L. LINARES
ef Judge, United States District Court

Date: September

/

,

2017

16