OCONOMOWOC, WISC. – On June 17, 2026, Special Education Action reported that a settlement was reached between the Phillips, WI School District and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. This agreement, finalized on May 13, 2026, stems from claims that the district neglected a student’s individualized education plan and prohibited the student from attending a field trip. In response, Americans for Autism Advocacy (AFAA) has released the following statement:
“According to federal law, students eligible for special education services are entitled to a comprehensive education provided within the least restrictive setting. It is a disgrace to all Wisconsinites that a school district within the Northwoods failed to prioritize the welfare of a student with significant learning disabilities. For its swift action taken regarding the Phillips School District, Americans for Autism Advocacy applauds the Office of Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education. Jill Underly, the Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction, holds a fiduciary responsibility to guarantee that every school district across the state fully complies with the IDEA Act. If Ms. Underly cannot fulfill her duty, then the Wisconsin Legislature must use their oversight duty in the 2027 session to hold her accountable.”
Note: The complaint is captioned as OCR Case No. 05-26-1394.
About Americans for Autism Advocacy: Founded in 2022, Americans for Autism Advocacy is an IRS 501(c)4 organization that advocates for the economic, ethics reform, educational, and health care outcomes for the neurodivergent community in the United States. The organization is based out of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
