Prince William County Schools Ordered to Pay for Special Education Violation

Photo byPrince William County Schools

In a recent development, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has been directed to foot the bill for the private high school education of a former student, Bella Lassiter, following a ruling by the Virginia Department of Education. This decision stems from the finding that the school district breached both state and federal special education laws.

The violation, which has garnered significant attention, carries a substantial financial burden, with the school division expected to cover nearly $150,000 in expenses using taxpayer funds. Bella Lassiter’s mother, Yesenia, took the drastic step of withdrawing her daughter from PWCS after deeming the accommodations provided inadequate. Bella, grappling with a venous vascular malformation necessitating chemotherapy treatment, missed over 40 days of middle school. Yesenia repeatedly sought additional homebound teaching services to no avail.

The Virginia Department of Education’s ruling determined that PWCS failed to furnish the requisite number of homebound teaching hours, compelling the district to fund four years of Bella’s education at a private institution. Yesenia Lassiter expressed relief at the decision, describing the ordeal as one of their family’s most distressing experiences. Despite InsideNoVa’s efforts, Lassiter declined to comment.

The directive ordering PWCS to cover Bella’s private school expenses was issued on Feb. 29, subsequent to the district agreeing to finance over 105 hours of private tutoring to compensate for missed sessions. The chosen private school, with an annual tuition exceeding $32,000, presents a significant financial commitment.

In response to queries, Meghan Silas, PWCS’s media relations coordinator, conveyed disappointment over the hearing officer’s ruling, citing ongoing litigation constraints on divulging further details. Nevertheless, PWCS reaffirmed its dedication to furnishing an inclusive and high-quality education to all students.

This episode underscores the complexities surrounding special education provision and highlights the imperative for school districts to diligently adhere to legal mandates, ensuring equitable access to education for every student, irrespective of challenges they may face.