What if I want to try mediation or a neutral conference?

Contact the other party in the dispute to see whether they are willing to enter mediation or a neutral conference. If both parties agree, the school district contacts the Department of Education with 4 dates during which the parties would be available. If a hearing is already scheduled, the parties must send a written request for continuance to the Hearing Officer, stating the date when they will be able to resume the hearing. The parties will then send a letter requesting mediation. Included in the request will be the 4 dates during which they will be available.

Please note: Before their hearing can be cancelled and a mediation scheduled, the parties must first receive approval to postpone the hearing from the Hearing Officer assigned to their case.