NY S01988

Amends education law to require that parent appeals of special education placement recommendations in large cities (population over 1 million) be resolved by an impartial hearing officer, state review officer, or settlement agreement within applicable federal timeframes.

Specifies that tuition payment amounts and payment schedules for approved unilateral parental placements must be clearly set forth in settlement agreements or court decisions and paid according to the established timeline.

Creates a special education monitor position appointed by the commissioner to oversee timely implementation of settlements, decisions, and judgments in large city school districts, with authority to audit compliance and compel necessary policy changes.

Authorizes the commissioner to withhold state funding or federal IDEA funds from non-compliant districts or report them to the U.S. Department of Education if they fail to make required payments as directed by the special education monitor.

Provides that approved unilateral parental placements continue in future years at the same percentage of costs from the prior year until the committee on special education determines the student's needs can be met in another program and revises the individualized education program accordingly.