A.W. v. Piedmont Unified School District

Background

A.W., a minor represented by her guardian ad litem, Nancy Dinh, appealed an adverse administrative decision under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A.W. has multiple disabilities and has been eligible for special education and related services under the IDEA since December 2020.

After a disagreement about A.W.’s educational programming, A.W. requested an administrative hearing. On June 7, 2024, an administrative law judge issued a decision in Piedmont Unified School District’s favor. A.W. then filed this case, seeking a determination that the administrative decision should receive no deference and that the District had denied her a free and appropriate public education.

The parties participated in a settlement conference on April 7, 2025, and reached an agreement resolving all claims. Under the agreement, the District would reimburse A.W.’s parents $49,000 for educational expenses and cover attorney fees in exchange for dismissal of the claims with prejudice. The District’s governing board approved the agreement.

Approval of the Minor’s Settlement

Because the plaintiff is a minor, the court had a special duty to protect her interests. The court independently reviewed whether the settlement served A.W.’s best interests and focused on whether her net recovery was fair and reasonable in light of the facts, her claims, and recoveries in similar cases.

The $49,000 payment was earmarked to reimburse educational expenses, including private school and special education services. A.W.’s guardian stated that she and her husband had incurred more than $100,000 in educational expenses. The court found the settlement fair and reasonable and approved the compromise as intended for A.W.’s benefit.

Voluntary Dismissal

The court also considered A.W.’s request for voluntary dismissal under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(2). The District did not oppose dismissal, and the court found no indication that dismissal would cause the District legal prejudice. The settlement agreement provided that A.W. would dismiss the case with prejudice and release the District and other listed representatives from claims arising from the conduct alleged in the lawsuit.

Disposition

The court granted A.W.’s motion to approve the settlement agreement and granted A.W.’s motion to dismiss the case with prejudice. Judge Thomas S. Hixson vacated the scheduled hearing and entered the order on June 30, 2025.