[Date]

[Parents' name and address]

            Re:      Request for Due Process Hearing – [Student's Name]

Dear [Parents]:

            This law firm represents the [School District] Public Schools in the above-referenced matter.

            In a letter dated ___________, ___________, Director of Special Education for the school district, wrote you concerning your recent request for due process hearing regarding the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) developed for your [son/daughter], [Student's name] on ____________. [He/She] requested that you contact [him/her] regarding the mutual selection of a hearing officer. To date, you have not responded to this request, and the seven day selection period is about to expire.

            Federal and State Special Education Rules and Regulations require that a due process hearing be completed within 45 days of the receipt of a request for due process hearing. In order to avoid any undue delay in these proceedings, please contact me (by calling, faxing, or mailing) and provide me with a name of one or more persons on the list of hearing officers that is acceptable to you no later than ____________, _____________, 2001. If you no longer wish to proceed with the due process hearing, you must withdraw your hearing request in writing and send same to me. If I do not hear from you by ________________, 2001 regarding either the selection of a hearing officer or that you are withdrawing your hearing request, I will request that the Michigan Department of Education appoint a hearing officer so that the hearing can proceed in a timely fashion.

            Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

                                                                        Very truly yours,

                                                                        LaPOINTE & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

bda

cc:       _________________

C:\My Documents\Rob\WEB\HO appt 2nd ltr to parent--MDE appt.050900.wpd