District Court Approves Conclusion and Termination of Modified Consent Decree

On August 9 and 15, 2019, the United States District Court approved the Stipulation between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Plaintiffs to Conclude and Terminate the Modified Consent Decree effective December 31, 2019 and a resolution of claims from a group of parent-Intervenors, relating to the MCD. See Court Order.

 While the conclusion and termination of the Modified Consent Decree marks a great milestone for LA Unified’s progress in markedly improving outcomes for students with disabilities, as Superintendent Beutner has stated, LA Unified remains ever focused on its ongoing commitment to increasing student outcomes, particularly for students with disabilities. The District has built a strong foundation and infrastructure for operating its special education program in a manner that ensures and promotes program accessibility, equity, student success, parent engagement and support for its teachers and staff.

 In alignment with the District meeting these obligations, the MCD Plaintiffs have stated their belief that sufficient improvement has been made so that Court oversight is no longer required and agreed that it is time to conclude the case. In anticipation of the MCD conclusion and the end of external oversight, the District has created a department to ensure the District’s ongoing ability to internally monitor its special education program and adherence to the rights of students with disabilities to receive a free appropriate public education.