Student was a resident of the Ankeny CSD at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. Student’s IEP contains goals in areas of the special education and provides for a one-on-one paraprofessional for assistance. Due to COVID19, the Department of Education issued guidance for mandatory distance learning or voluntary enrichment programs in order to comply with state instructional time requirements. The district chose the voluntary model and students did not return to the buildings for the remainder of the 2019-20 year.

Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation districts to prepare to safely welcome students back to school in-person in the fall. All district families were offered remote learning as an option. Parents chose remote learning for this student and believed the district would provide a para in the home setting. The IEP team recommended a different learning modality than selected by student’s parents. Educators recommended student return in fall in the building a controlled environment. District did not feel it was safe to send staff off-site into a student home. Parents disagreed.

Complainants have not proven that Respondents denied Student a free appropriate public education as alleged in the due process complaint. Complainants’ requested relief is denied and complaint is dismissed.