Ryan and Kathryne Hart have filed a lawsuit against the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, alleging that their child, C.H., was denied a free appropriate public education (FAPE) as mandated by federal law. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana on January 19, 2026. This legal action follows an administrative decision that acknowledged the school board’s failure to provide adequate educational services to C.H., but allegedly failed to offer a clear and enforceable plan for compensatory education.
The Harts are challenging several aspects of the administrative ruling issued by Administrative Law Judge Adora Chukudebelu on October 20, 2025. They argue that while the judge recognized the denial of FAPE, the remedial measures ordered were insufficiently detailed and thus unenforceable. Specifically, they claim that the order did not specify critical components such as the amount and frequency of compensatory instruction or necessary services from specialists like Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI). The plaintiffs assert that these omissions prevent C.H. from receiving meaningful educational benefits.
Furthermore, Ryan and Kathryne Hart allege procedural violations during the administrative process, including being denied meaningful participation in their child’s education planning due to withheld records. They contend these actions violated their rights under both federal law and controlling Fifth Circuit authority. The lawsuit seeks judicial review to rectify these alleged deficiencies and ensure compliance with IDEA’s requirements.
In their appeal, the Harts are not only seeking a reversal of parts of the administrative order but also request specific relief from the court. They ask for a remand with instructions to detail compensatory education provisions adequately, recognition of procedural errors by the ALJ, and an extension of C.H.’s eligibility for special education services as compensatory relief. Additionally, they seek reimbursement for attorney’s fees incurred due to delays attributed to the school board’s actions.
Representing Ryan and Kathryne Hart is attorney Kimona Hogan from Hogan Law Firm, LLC. The case has been assigned Civil Action No.: 3:26-cv-00064-SDD-EWD in front of Judge Shelly D. Dick with Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes presiding over proceedings.
Source: 326cv64_Ryan_Hart_v_East_Baton_Complaint_Middle_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
