Doolittle V. Meridian Joint School Dist‪.‬

Respondent, Brad Doolittle (Brad) is a child with hearing impairments, who qualifies for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.) 20 U.S.C.A. §§ 1400-1420 (West 1990). The purpose of I.D.E.A. is to assure that all children with disabilities have available to them a "free appropriate public education which emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs. . . ." 20 U.S.C.A. § 1400(c) (West 1995). Brad, by and through his parents Michael and Jeanette Doolittle, claim that the Meridian Joint School District No. 2 (School District) failed to provide Brad with a "free appropriate public education" (F.A.P.E.) and seek reimbursement of costs incurred in providing an appropriate education for Brad at a parochial school. The School District claims that the Doolittles are not entitled to reimbursement because the School District complied with I.D.E.A. The School District also contends that it would be a violation of article IX, section 5 of the Idaho Constitution to provide Brad with a sign-language interpreter at a parochial school.