MPS is appealing in special ed lawsuit

MPS is appealing a federal magistrate's order that could potentially require the district to provide compensatory educational services to a "extremely broad" pool of students whose rights may have been violated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

“We have a deep concern for the financial implications,” Board President Michael Bonds said in a prepared statement. “To appeal is the right thing to do for taxpayers as well as for the children the district serves. We must take steps to target resources to the children who need them most and preserve resources for all MPS students.”

“This is not about denying anyone services,” said MPS Superintendent William Andrekopoulos. “If children were passed over for services years ago, they should be provided services. But the Board feels that the remedy order goes too far. It could apply to potentially thousands more children than should be defined in the case.”

Under US Magistrate Judge Aaron Goodstein's order, the district would be required to do extensive outreach to identify students -- including regular education students -- who may be eligible for compensation. The order affects students enrolled from Sept. 1, 2000 to June 30, 2005.

MPS said in a statement that "the costs to carry out the remedy creates further financial and staffing challenges for the district, and most significantly, for taxpayers."

The district since 2004 has numerous changes to improve areas Goodstein found troubling.

Said Bonds: "Students are getting quality services. We addressed the issues."