Lawsuit Alleges Neglect Caused Vision Loss at NY School for Autistic Students

Washington state education officials have instructed public school districts to refrain from sending new students to Shrub Oak International School in New York, following alarming findings from ProPublica and a recent campus visit. Opened in 2018, Shrub Oak has faced scrutiny for its lack of experience in operating a boarding school, raising questions about its ability to ensure student safety. A lawsuit has emerged from the Lake Washington School District, which reportedly failed to inquire about the safety and well-being of a student named Cian, despite committing significant funds for his placement. The Lake Washington district has expressed its commitment to student health and safety but has remained tight-lipped regarding the ongoing lawsuit. A joint investigation by the Seattle Times and ProPublica in 2022 uncovered similar issues of oversight, abuse allegations, and inadequate academic standards at privately managed, publicly funded special education institutions in Washington. In a letter dated July 2, the state superintendent's office announced that no new student placements would be permitted at Shrub Oak for the 2024-25 school year, citing the school's lack of operational licensing and failure to pass health inspections. Despite having only 85 students enrolled earlier this year, Shrub Oak has faced mounting concerns from families and staff regarding conditions at the school. Cian's parents initially pursued legal action to secure his placement at Shrub Oak, agreeing to a substantial monthly tuition fee. However, the school reportedly failed to follow a detailed care plan provided by Cian's family, leading to severe injuries that have permanently affected his eyesight.