TLS EXCLUSIVE: Supreme Court Decision Favoring Private School Reimbursement: The Lakewood Reality

TLS EXCLUSIVE: Parents of special education students can seek reimbursement from school districts for private educational placements whether or not the student tried public school first, the Supreme Court ruled Monday. The true winners of Monday's decision are children with what one might call hidden disabilities - social, emotional, and learning needs that are often less apparent than some visual, auditory, ambulatory, or intellectual challenges. Also among the winners in this decision are children with ADHD, bipolar disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and other challenges that compromise their ability to progress in school.But the reality in Lakewood is often more difficult. Many parents are reluctant to use out-of-district programs because the up-front costs of private programs are often out of reach to most parents. Even if they ultimately win reimbursement, as in the case of T.A., they still have to take the risk of advancing the money, and hiring an attorney to battle for reimbursement. Yet for some lucky parents, there is no risk at all. The Lakewood district mysteriously approves out of district placement for their children. Which children and which schools win district approval for out-of-district placement, and why, remains a closely guarded secret. There are no published criteria. There are no published guidelines. There is no pattern, no rhyme, no reason. Sadly, it appears like a game of Russian roulette, with the lives of our children. What percentage of the nonpublic students who are entitled to out-of-district placement, actually get approved? Two percent? Five percent? What about all the others? Try as hard as you can, you will not get any answer from the district. WHY? Where is all the money going?Who is pulling the trigger? And how many children are blown away each year? (Click here for the full TLS article.)