Madison Education Disputes Demand Letter

First, request the school's evaluation report and eligibility determination in writing. Review the criteria for eligibility under IDEA and Wisconsin law. If you disagree, you have several options: request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense, file a state complaint with DPI alleging improper evaluation, or request a due process hearing to challenge the eligibility determination. You can also request a re-evaluation if circumstances have changed. Consider obtaining private evaluations to support your position. Contact Disability Rights Wisconsin at (608) 267-0214 for free advocacy assistance.

For suspensions under 10 days, students are entitled to oral notice of charges and an opportunity to respond before removal (Goss v. Lopez). For longer suspensions or expulsion, more extensive due process is required including written notice, opportunity to examine evidence, and a hearing. For students with IEPs or 504 plans, additional protections apply including manifestation determinations for removals over 10 cumulative days. If proper procedures were not followed, file a complaint with the district immediately, document the violations, and consider contacting DPI if the district does not remedy the situation.

Document specifically which parts of the IEP are not being implemented, including dates and specifics. Request a meeting with the IEP team to discuss your concerns. Put your concerns in writing to the special education director. If the school does not correct the issues, you can: file a state complaint with DPI (most effective for implementation failures), request mediation, or file for due process. You may be entitled to compensatory services to make up for services not provided. DPI complaint forms are available at dpi.wi.gov.

Review the institution's academic integrity policy and procedures immediately. At UW-Madison, this is covered under UWS 14 (academic misconduct). Key steps include: responding to charges in writing within the deadline, gathering evidence supporting innocence (drafts, research, timestamps), identifying witnesses, understanding the burden of proof, and preparing for any hearing. Students have the right to present their case and question evidence. Consider whether to accept an informal resolution or proceed to a hearing based on the strength of evidence. The Dean of Students Office can provide procedural information, and legal representation may be advisable for serious charges that could result in suspension or expulsion.

Private educational services are contracts, and you may have claims for breach of contract and potentially consumer protection violations if services were misrepresented. First, review your contract for refund policies and dispute procedures. Document what was promised (keep all marketing materials and communications) versus what was delivered. Send a written demand for refund citing specific failures. If the program is licensed by Wisconsin's Educational Approval Program, file a complaint with them. You can file a complaint with DATCP for consumer protection violations. For amounts up to $10,000, small claims court is an option. Gather evidence of the representations made and services not provided.

Wisconsin law requires schools to have bullying policies (Wisconsin Statute 118.46). Document every incident including dates, what happened, who was involved, and impact on your child. Report each incident in writing to the school, keeping copies. Request information about the school's anti-bullying policy and what steps they are taking. If bullying is based on a protected characteristic (disability, race, sex, etc.), it may be discrimination/harassment which triggers additional protections. File a formal complaint using the district's grievance procedure. If the school does not respond adequately, you can file complaints with DPI (for Wisconsin law violations) or OCR (for discrimination). Consider documenting the hostile environment's impact on your child's education.

Wisconsin is a one-party consent state for recording, meaning you can generally record conversations you participate in without others' consent. However, MMSD and some other districts have policies requiring advance notice before recording meetings. As a practical matter, notifying the school that you intend to record often prevents disputes. If the school refuses, request their written policy, and consider whether to record anyway (legally permissible but may create conflict) or bring someone to take detailed notes. The school can also record if they notify you. Having a clear record of meetings is valuable regardless of method.

It depends on the type of institution and reason for denial. Public schools generally cannot deny admission based on residence in the district. Charter and choice schools have lottery and capacity rules that must be followed. Denial based on disability, race, sex, or other protected characteristics is illegal and can be challenged through OCR complaints. For private schools, review any contract or enrollment agreement for terms and conditions. If you believe the denial was discriminatory or violated the school's stated policies, document the circumstances and consult with an attorney or advocacy organization about your options.

UW-Madison's grade appeal process starts at the department level. You must have grounds such as error in calculating the grade, unfair grading criteria applied, or other procedural problems. First, speak with the instructor within the semester following the grade. If unresolved, file a written appeal with the department chair. Further appeals go to the associate dean of the college. Deadlines are typically within the following semester. Focus on objective errors rather than subjective disagreement about the grade deserved. Review the specific school/college's appeal procedures as they may vary. Keep copies of all assignments, feedback, and the syllabus.

Several organizations provide free or low-cost assistance: Disability Rights Wisconsin (608-267-0214) helps with special education and disability-related issues. MMSD has a Parent Information Center for district-specific questions. Wisconsin DPI has special education consultants who can explain rights and procedures. The Dane County Parent Council provides parent support and information. For higher education, campus ombudsperson offices can help mediate disputes. Legal Action of Wisconsin provides free legal help for qualifying families. Wisconsin FACETS offers special education training and support. OCR (800-421-3481) can answer questions about discrimination claims. Document everything regardless of which resources you use.