Akron schools to pay autistic child's education

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — The Akron school district has agreed to pay just over $100,000 a year to send an autistic child to a private school after a longstanding challenge by the child’s parents.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports that the school board approved paying the tuition and other costs on Monday.

The child’s parents initially challenged the school district six years ago about allowing their child to attend Monarch Center for Autism in the Cleveland suburb of Cleveland Heights. Akron school officials argued the district had appropriate facilities.

Monarch’s annual tuition is $84,500. The parents will receive $17,472 for transportation costs.

The state will reimburse Akron schools $32,850. An attorney for Akron schools says the district is obligated to provide an appropriate education to children.