Hearing Finds Vilonia School District Violated a Student’s Rights Under IDEA, the “Individuals With Disabilities in Education Act”
Dec 1, 2024
Kira Livingston never dreamed she would have to battle for her daughter’s education Rights but then Reality set in and the fight was on….a fight that has been going on for 10 years.
Outnumbered and outgunned by the Vilonia School District, Kira desperately needed allies to help her in the fight for her child.
Early this year she found just the allies she needed in attorney Theresa Caldwell and student advocate Audie Alumbaugh, both Bulldawgs for children with learning disabilities.
On March 5th of this year Kira, through Theresa and Audie, filed a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Education requesting what’s called a “Due Process Hearing”, which allows parents to bring allegations of a School District violating their child’s rights under the “IDEA”.
On September 27th, Hearing Officer Debby Ferguson issued a Conclusion finding the Vilonia School District indeed violated Kira’s daughter’s rights and issued an Order for them to remedy the matter.
To defend the School District’s willful violation of Kira’s daughters’ right’s, Vilonia School Superintendent Doug Adams, (4th pic), used Bequette Billingsley and Kees law firm and records show to date has paid them $14,268.56 of Taxpayer money in an epic failure….again that is just to date.
After the Conclusion and Order were issued, I asked Kira to provide me a statement on the matter and it is a must-read.
Her passion and determination are not only remarkable…. they are inspirational.
The sad fact is that the violation of students with disabilities rights are not limited to the Vilonia School District. It is a massive problem across our State that is continually swept under the rug. The system is set up in a way that makes it extremely difficult for parents to fight for their children’s educational rights.
Until the State Legislature gets off its Ass and takes measures to hold School Districts and Superintendents actually accountable for willfully failing students, then the problem is going nowhere.
Until then, Kira is going to fight back….One child at a time.
Professional Bully Fighter I investigate and report on issues around the State of Arkansas with an emphasis on Government. I am strong conservative however I bring Truth and Facts regardless of Party affiliation….My hashtag is #FactsNotFiction
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