A legal battle is unfolding as a family takes on the New York City Public Schools over alleged failures to provide adequate education for their child with disabilities. On January 21, 2026, A.C. and M.C., represented by attorney Michele Kule-Korgood of Kule-Korgood & Associates, P.C., filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). The plaintiffs are seeking attorneys’ fees following an impartial hearing under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The case centers around E.C., a student within the NYCPS district who has been classified as having a Speech or Language Impairment and other medical conditions including ADHD and a blood clotting disorder. During the 2021-2022 school year, E.C.’s parents claimed that NYCPS failed to provide an appropriate educational program tailored to E.C.’s unique needs as mandated by IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. According to court documents, E.C. struggled with language processing, social skills, and behavioral challenges that impacted learning.
In October 2021, A.C. and M.C. initiated an impartial due process hearing alleging that NYCPS denied their child a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under federal law. The hearing spanned several months with multiple sessions conducted from November 2021 through January 2023. Ultimately, on January 26, 2023, Impartial Hearing Officer Lynn B. Almeleh ruled in favor of E.C.’s parents. The decision highlighted that NYCPS did not meet its burden of proof regarding its educational recommendations for E.C., while Pathway Study Center was deemed more suitable for addressing E.C.’s needs.
As prevailing parties in this administrative proceeding, A.C. and M.C. are entitled to recover reasonable legal fees incurred during the process according to IDEA’s fee-shifting provisions and Section 504’s anti-discrimination mandate. Their lawsuit seeks not only reimbursement for these costs but also additional relief deemed just by the court.
The plaintiffs are requesting that the court assume jurisdiction over this matter; review necessary records; award costs related both to previous administrative proceedings (Impartial Hearing #219466) and current litigation efforts; along with any further relief considered appropriate.
Representing A.C., M.C., and their child is attorney Michele Kule-Korgood from Kule-Korgood & Associates based out of Forest Hills in Queens County where they have filed their complaint against NYCPS at its principal office located at Chambers Street Manhattan under Case ID: 1:26-cv-00555 before judges yet unnamed.
Source: 126cv55_AC_and_MC_New_York_Public_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
