The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced on Apr. 15 that it has opened an investigation into the New Home Independent School District in New Home, Texas. The investigation follows reports that the district discontinued its special education Elementary Life Skills classroom for the 2026-2027 school year and did not reevaluate students or provide notice before moving them to a classroom about 30 miles away.
This issue is significant because it centers on whether students with disabilities are receiving appropriate educational services close to home, as required by federal law. Parents have raised concerns that relocating their children could disrupt learning and set back progress made in current programs.
According to the OCR, it will examine whether the district violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against students based on disability. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said, “Every child with a disability is entitled to special education and related aids and services that are specifically designed to meet their individual needs, and no parent should be left wondering how or whether a school will deliver on that promise.” Richey continued, “The allegations described here – cutting an essential special education program and busing young children with disabilities miles from home without any individualized determination, disrupting learning, and denying students equal access to educational programs – are serious and concerning. OCR will fight to ensure every child with a disability receives the education and support the law promises and they rightfully deserve.”
The background provided by OCR notes that Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) prohibit recipients of federal financial assistance from discriminating based on disability.
As this investigation proceeds, its outcome may affect how districts across Texas—and potentially elsewhere—handle changes in special education programming.
