Tamalpais Union High School District v. D. W.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Gilliam, J.
ORDER DENYING CROSS-MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND AFFIRMING ALJ’S DECISION IN ITS ENTIRETY
Re: Dkt. Nos. 43,
Pending before the Court are Plaintiff Tamalpais Union High School District’s (“Tamalpais” or “District”) and Defendant minor D.W.’s cross-motions for summary *1154 judgment filed on February 6, 2017. Dkt. Nos. 43, 44. 1 Each party filed its opposition on February 23, 2017. Dkt. Nos. 45,- 46. The Court held a hearing on March 30, 2017. Dkt. No. 52. The Court DENIES each motion,- and affirms the ALJ’s decision, for the reasons set forth below.
L BACKGROUND
Before turning to the factual and procedural background of this case, the Court sets forth the basic legal framework of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and applicable California law.
A, Legal Framework of IDEA and California Education . . Code §§ 56500, et seq.
i. Legislative Purpose of IDEA
IDEA was enacted “to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to' meet' their unique needs,” 20 U.S.C. § 1400 (d)(1)(A), and “to ensure that the rights of children with…