IDEA Due Process Hearing Officer /Appeals Board Members

Kentucky has a two-tiered process in which a hearing officer, trained and certified by the state, conducts a hearing and renders a decision. If the parents or Education Entity disagree with the hearing officers decision, they may request a review of the decision by a three member Exceptional Children Appeals Board (ECAB). The ECAB members are also trained and certified by the state. The KDE anticipates a need for six (6) qualified individuals to serve as ECAB members. While serving on the ECAB, successful candidates will receive $125 per hour of service and reimbursement for authorized expenses, including necessary travel. Successful candidates will complete KDE provided training as directed by KDE and receive $500 per day for training, not to exceed $2,500 per calendar year. Successful candidates will not receive $125 per hour for completing training required by KDE. ECAB members may be appointed by KDE to serve as due process hearing officers. Persons serving in this capacity will receive compensation from the Education Entity at the rate of $125 per hour under a contract with the Education Entity to render the following services: conduct pre-hearing conferences; prepare correspondence; conduct due process hearings; review evidence and testimony; and engage in legal research and preparation of the written decision. The Education Entity will reimburse persons serving in this capacity for travel and other miscellaneous expenses as authorized by the policy of the Education Entity. The vendor may also be assigned to investigate and decide IDEA formal complaints pursuant to 34 CFR 300.151-153. The compensation rate of $125 per hour is commensurate with the rate of pay for hearing officers within the Office of the Attorney General as contracted to other state agencies. Travel Expenses will be paid in accordance with the state's reimbursement policy (200:KAR 2:006). Regulations can be found at http://finance.ky.gov/services/statewideacct/Pages/travel.aspx. Multiple Contracts may be awarded.