We are seeking information relating to the current amount that States pay special education hearing officers as we are considering the need to provide a pay raise in order to recruit and secure additional HOs.
In those states that use contracted hearing officers for their due process hearings, what is the per-hour rate paid to the contracted hearing officers? Do you also reimburse travel and other expenses (e.g., mailing)?
Does the SEA pay the hearing officers directly or do the LEAs pay them? Would anyone be willing to share the hearing officer contract that you are using?
What is the rate that you pay per mediation (inclusive of travel/parking/prep time etc)? How do you handle last minute cancellations either by the mediator, school or parent? Do you still pay the mediator if the school or parent cancels with less than 24 hour notice? How do you compensate the mediator if he/she arrives at the site and finds that one of the parties cancelled or did not show? If the mediation is held and then adjourned to a second day, how do you pay the mediator (i.e. do you pay the same rate/travel etc. for both days?)