The IP for a student with multiple disabilities includes services from four different therapists, daily nursing care, and a one-on-one paraprofessional. School administrators state that they do not have enough funds to provide the services outlined in the student's IP. Which of the following best describes the school district's legal obligation in this case?

The IP for a student with multiple disabilities includes services from four different therapists, daily nursing care, and a one-on-one paraprofessional. School administrators state that they do not have enough funds to provide the services outlined in the student's IP. Which of the following best describes the school district's legal obligation in this case?

• A. providing at least half of the services immediately and adding services as funds become available
• B. modifying the IEP to include only those services that the district is able to provide
• C. arranging for the student to receive services in another school district
• D. meeting all of the requirements of the IEP regardless of the cost

Answer: (D)

Under IDEA, schools must provide a free appropriate public education by implementing the IEP exactly as written. The district cannot skip or reduce services because of budget issues; the IEP outlines the services the student is entitled to, and those must be provided. If funds are truly unavailable, the district should pursue appropriate funding or convene an IEP meeting to modify the plan through the proper process, but it cannot unilaterally deny or dramatically cut services. That is why meeting all of the IEP requirements, regardless of cost, is the correct obligation. Reducing to half the services, or altering the IEP to fit the budget without following the modification process, would undermine the student’s entitlement to FAPE. Arranging services in another district could only occur through specific procedures and supports if the IEP calls for it, and delaying or denying services contradicts the obligation to provide the IEP as written.

Under IDEA, schools must provide a free appropriate public education by implementing the IEP exactly as written. The district cannot skip or reduce services because of budget issues; the IEP outlines the services the student is entitled to, and those must be provided. If funds are truly unavailable, the district should pursue appropriate funding or convene an IEP meeting to modify the plan through the proper process, but it cannot unilaterally deny or dramatically cut services. That is why meeting all of the IEP requirements, regardless of cost, is the correct obligation.

Reducing to half the services, or altering the IEP to fit the budget without following the modification process, would undermine the student’s entitlement to FAPE. Arranging services in another district could only occur through specific procedures and supports if the IEP calls for it, and delaying or denying services contradicts the obligation to provide the IEP as written.