Federal Court Dismisses Suit Against Wentzville R-IV

On April 23, 2014, the Honorable Carol E. Jackson of United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri dismissed a lawsuit filed by a student and her parents against the Wentzville R-IV School District.  The suit, J.A. & C.A., on behalf of their minor child v. Wentzville R-IV School District, had been filed by the parents as an appeal of an administrative decision in the school district’s favor that upheld Wentzville’s determination that the student did not meet eligibility criteria as a child with a disability under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  In dismissing the suit Judge Jackson stated that “the Court finds that plaintiffs have failed to allege an actual, ongoing case or controversy, causing the issues raised in plaintiffs’ brief on appeal to be moot.”  MGO partner Ernie Trakas represented Wentzville in both the administrative and federal court proceedings.