The Cost of Cutting Costs

Published: Thursday, May 1, 2008

Polk Schools Must Pay Family $720,000
Administrative judge says district failed to adequately educate autistic student.
By John Chambliss
THE LEDGER

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I know this man. His story is not an isolated incident.

But there are few parents who have all it takes to deal with the system.

This is what the judge said:

"In a 20-page ruling, Judge William F. Quattlebaum in Tallahassee sided with the Lakeland family, saying Polk's failure to provide a proper education for Drew Sammons was not the "accidental result of inadequate educational planning."

"It is clear (the district) was either unable or unwilling to provide the appropriate services to which (Sammons) was entitled," Quattlebaum wrote."

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"It's been an expensive fight for both sides. If the ruling stands, the district could end up spending $1.8 million, including $300,000 that Quattlebaum ordered the district to pay the Sammons for their legal bills.

The district's legal fees have reached $786,782."

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,,,,,, I guess it's ok for the District to spend the $786,782 on legal defense, but not in the classroom. But then again, very few parents win, so look how much money is saved on the rest of the kids whose parents can't even spell IEP.

I understand when school systems don't have the resources and ability to provide an adequate education, but that never seems to stop them from touting their image.