Autistic student denied school move

by Lena Mitchell - Daily Journal Corinth Bureau

OXFORD - The parents of a 6-year-old Prentiss County student diagnosed with a form of autism were denied a temporary restraining order Wednesday that would have allowed him to attend school in Tishomingo County.

U.S. District Judge Michael Mills ruled that since Deanna Thacker's tax records show her to be a resident of Prentiss County, the child is not entitled to attend Tishomingo County schools until the school board reviews the matter March 9.

Deanna Thacker withdrew her son, Ryan Thacker, from Hills Chapel School in Prentiss County, alleging he was constantly sent home from class, physically restrained on numerous occasions, slapped in the face and threatened with a paddle.

Ryan Thacker has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism that may lead to "social isolation and eccentric behavior."

Deanna Thacker sued the Prentiss County and Tishomingo County school districts on Tuesday, saying that Ryan was being denied the free, adequate public education guaranteed by state law.

The request for a temporary restraining order asked that Ryan be allowed to attend the Burnsville School in Tishomingo County while a jury trial is pending on the lawsuit.

After Deanna Thacker withdrew Ryan from school, Prentiss County released him to attend Tishomingo County, but Tishomingo County would not allow the transfer.

Prentiss County has since said they would accept him back.

Source: http://www.djournal.com/pages/story....pub=1&div=News

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