Case: Land v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

3:23-cv-00272 | U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska

Filed Date: Dec. 4, 2023

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case about the alleged excessive use of restraint and seclusion practices on disabled students. On Dec. 4, 2023, two parents, individually and as representatives of their minor child, filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. They sued the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Alaksan state laws. Represented by private counsel, they sought injunctive relief, damages, and …

This is a case about the alleged excessive use of restraint and seclusion practices on disabled students. On Dec. 4, 2023, two parents, individually and as representatives of their minor child, filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. They sued the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Alaksan state laws. Represented by private counsel, they sought injunctive relief, damages, and class action status, seeking to represent a subclass of current MSBSD students with disabilities who have experienced restraint or seclusion by district personnel and a subclass of parents and guardians of these students. They claimed that the school district's practices were unnecessarily punitive and violated both federal and state laws.

The complaint outlined numerous instances where the minor child, who has developmental delays and behavioral challenges, was subjected to these practices, often without the parents being informed in a timely manner. It detailed specific incidents where the minor child was secluded or restrained and argued that these actions were unnecessary and punitive and did not address the underlying behavioral issues. The plaintiffs argued that the school district's reliance on restraint and seclusion led to physical and psychological harm to the minor child and other students, deprived them of educational opportunities, and discriminated against them based on their disabilities.

On Dec. 5, 2023, pursuant to the system of random case assignments, this action was administratively reassigned to District Judge Joshua M. Kindred for all further proceedings. 

The parties stipulated to a protective on March 25, 2024, as they prepared to enter into discovery.

Summary Authors

Carlos Larrauri (1/27/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68060587/parties/land-v-matanuska-susitna-borough-school-district/


Judge(s)

Gleason, Sharon Louise (Alaska)

Holland, Hezekiah Russel (Alaska)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Dudukgian, Goriune (Alaska)

Feronti, Nicholas Clark (Alaska)

Palmer, Aneliese K. (Alaska)

Attorney for Defendant

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

3:23-cv-00272

Complaint

Dec. 4, 2023

Dec. 4, 2023

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68060587/land-v-matanuska-susitna-borough-school-district/

Last updated April 12, 2026, 4:41 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Dec. 4, 2023

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number AAKDC-3533507.), filed by All Plaintiffs.(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 12/04/2023)

RECAP
2 Dec. 4, 2023

Civil Cover Sheet. (Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 12/04/2023)

RECAP
3 Dec. 5, 2023

Unissued summons re Defendant Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, (Attachments: # 1 Unissued Summons re Defendant Laura Kelly, # 2 Unissued Summons re Defendant David Russell, # 3 Unissued Summons re Defendant Angela Snow)(PXS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 12/05/2023)

RECAP
4 Dec. 5, 2023

HRH TEXT ORDER REASSIGNING CASE: Pursuant to the system of random case assignments, this action is administratively reassigned to the Honorable Joshua M. Kindred for all further proceedings. Please use the following case number on all future filings: 3:23-cv-00272-JMK. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 12/05/2023)

RECAP
Dec. 5, 2023

1 - Summons Issued

Dec. 5, 2023

Order Reassigning Case

Dec. 5, 2023

Summons Issued as to Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow. (PXS, COURT STAFF)

5 Dec. 18, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Allison G. Strickland on behalf of All Defendants (Strickland, Allison) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

RECAP
6 Dec. 18, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Megan N. Sandone on behalf of All Defendants (Sandone, Megan) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

RECAP
7 Dec. 28, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Aneliese K. Palmer on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Palmer, Aneliese) (Entered: 12/28/2023)

RECAP
8 Feb. 5, 2024

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow.(Strickland, Allison) (Entered: 02/05/2024)

RECAP
9 Feb. 6, 2024

ORDER RE INITIAL SCHEDULING & PLANNING CONFERENCE REPORT: Counsel for plaintiff shall serve and file the Rule 26 Meeting Report within 21 days of service of this order. Signed by Judge Joshua M. Kindred on 2/6/2024. (SCD, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 02/06/2024)

RECAP
10 Feb. 22, 2024

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 02/22/2024)

RECAP
11 Feb. 27, 2024

SCHEDULING AND PLANNING ORDER: Discovery due by 2/27/2025.See Order for additional deadlines. Signed by Judge Joshua M. Kindred on 2/27/2024. (SCD, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 02/27/2024)

RECAP
12 March 25, 2024

Joint MOTION for Protective Order [and Stipulation] by Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Strickland, Allison) (Entered: 03/25/2024)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

RECAP
13 March 26, 2024

JMK TEXT ORDER: The parties' Joint Motion and Stipulation for Protective Order 12 is GRANTED. The protective order is approved as filed at Docket 12. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 03/26/2024)

RECAP
March 26, 2024

Order on Motion for Protective Order

14 May 13, 2024

Joint MOTION [Regarding Production of Protected Information] by Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit [Notice], # 2 Proposed Order)(Strickland, Allison) (Entered: 05/13/2024)

RECAP
15 May 14, 2024

JMK TEXT ORDER: The Joint Motion Regarding Production of Protection Information 14 is GRANTED. Production and use of Protected Health Information and Personally Identifiable Information, as defined at Docket 14, will be governed according to the terms of the parties' stipulation at Docket 14, the Protective Order 13, and applicable statutes. (SCD, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/14/2024)

RECAP
May 14, 2024

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

16 June 25, 2024

Witness List by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 06/25/2024)

RECAP
17 July 8, 2024

SLG TEXT ORDER: In light of the resignation of Judge Kindred this case is hereby reassigned to the Honorable Chief Judge Sharon L. Gleason for all future proceedings. Please use case number 3:23-cv-00272-SLG on all future filings. (RMC, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 07/08/2024)

RECAP
July 8, 2024

Order Reassigning Case

18 Aug. 22, 2024

ORDER RE INTENT TO REASSIGN TO A UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE AND DECLINATION OF CONSENT FORM: See Order for details. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 8/22/2024. (SCD, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 08/22/2024)

RECAP
19 Aug. 28, 2024

CLERK'S NOTICE : A Declination of Consent has been timely submitted. This case remains assigned to District Judge Gleason. (BJK, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 08/28/2024)

RECAP
Aug. 28, 2024

Clerks Notice - Declination of Consent Submitted

20 Sept. 3, 2024

MOTION for Relief From Order Granting Joint Motion Regarding Production of Protected Information re 15 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, by Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Strickland, Allison) (Entered: 09/03/2024)

RECAP
21 Sept. 3, 2024

MOTION to Seal by Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Strickland, Allison) (Entered: 09/03/2024)

RECAP
23 Sept. 6, 2024

RESPONSE to Motion (Non-Opposition) re 21 MOTION to Seal filed by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 09/06/2024)

RECAP
24 Sept. 6, 2024

RESPONSE in Opposition re 20 MOTION for Relief From Order Granting Joint Motion Regarding Production of Protected Information re 15 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, filed by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 09/06/2024)

RECAP
25 Sept. 10, 2024

SLG TEXT ORDER: Defendants' Unopposed Motion to File Under Seal at Docket 21 is GRANTED. The confidential Affidavit of Parent A at Docket 22 is ACCEPTED as filed as a sealed document. (SCD, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 09/10/2024)

RECAP
Sept. 10, 2024

Order on Motion to Seal

26 Sept. 13, 2024

REPLY to Response to Motion re 20 MOTION for Relief From Order Granting Joint Motion Regarding Production of Protected Information re 15 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, filed by Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow. (Strickland, Allison) (Entered: 09/13/2024)

RECAP
27 Sept. 17, 2024

MOTION to Amend/Correct Scheduling Order (Unopposed) by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiff's Motion to Amend Scheduling Order)(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 09/17/2024)

RECAP
28 Sept. 18, 2024

ORDER granting 27 Unopposed Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 9/18/2024. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 09/18/2024)

RECAP
29 Nov. 19, 2024

ORDER granting in part and denying in part 20 Motion for Relief from Order Granting Joint Motion Regarding Production of Protected Information. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 11/18/2024. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 11/19/2024)

RECAP
30 Nov. 19, 2024

Witness List by Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow, Laura Kelly. (Strickland, Allison) (Entered: 11/19/2024)

RECAP
31 Nov. 19, 2024

Witness List by T.L., L. Shane Land, Christi Angelo. (Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 11/19/2024)

RECAP
32 Dec. 2, 2024

MOTION to Amend/Correct Scheduling Order (Unopposed) by T.L., L. Shane Land, Christi Angelo. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 12/02/2024)

RECAP
33 Dec. 3, 2024

ORDER granting 32 Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. See Order for amended deadlines. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 12/3/2024. (SCD, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 12/03/2024)

RECAP
34 Dec. 20, 2024

Witness List by T.L., L. Shane Land, Christi Angelo. (Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 12/20/2024)

RECAP
35 Jan. 28, 2025

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Counsel by Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow, Laura Kelly (Sandone, Megan) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

RECAP
36 Feb. 13, 2025

MOTION to Certify Class Student Subclass by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Miguel Declaration, # 2 Land Declaration, # 3 Dudukgian Declaration, # 4 Exhibit 1, # 5 Exhibit 2, # 6 Exhibit 3, # 7 Exhibit 4, # 8 Exhibit 5, # 9 Proposed Order)(Palmer, Aneliese) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

RECAP
37 Feb. 13, 2025

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Class Certification for Parent Subclass (Unopposed) by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

RECAP
38 Feb. 14, 2025

SLG TEXT ORDER: The Court requires chambers copies of all future filings greater than 50 pages in length. Chambers copies shall be an exact replica of the filed document, including the document footer assigned by the CM/ECF System; exhibits/attachments must be separately identified with readily visible tabs; and must be legible, single-sided, and two-hole punched at the center of the top page.(RMC, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

RECAP
39 Feb. 14, 2025

SLG TEXT ORDER: The Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time at Docket 37 is GRANTED. The deadline for a motion for class certification on behalf of the Parent Subclass is extended to March 17, 2025. (RMC, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

RECAP
Feb. 14, 2025

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File

Feb. 14, 2025

Order

40 Feb. 25, 2025

RESPONSE to Motion (Non-Opposition) re 36 MOTION to Certify Class Student Subclass filed by Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow. (Sandone, Megan) (Entered: 02/25/2025)

RECAP
41 Feb. 26, 2025

ORDER granting 36 Motion for Class Certification of Student Subclass. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 2/26/2025. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 02/26/2025)

RECAP
42 March 17, 2025

STIPULATION Re: Certification of the Parent Subclass by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Class Certification of Parent Subclass)(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

RECAP
43 March 18, 2025

ORDER approving 42 Stipulation Re: Certification of the Parent Subclass. See order for details. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 3/18/2025. (SCD, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

RECAP
44 April 11, 2025

SLG TEXT ORDER: A Status Conference to discuss further proceedings in this matter is scheduled for May 8, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Anchorage Courtroom 2. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

RECAP
April 11, 2025

1 - Set/Reset Hearings (Private Entry)

April 11, 2025

Order

April 11, 2025

***Set Hearings: Status Conference set for 5/8/2025 at 9:30 AM in Anchorage Courtroom 2. (JDS, COURT STAFF)

45 April 21, 2025

MOTION to Amend/Correct Scheduling Order (Unopposed) by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 04/21/2025)

RECAP
46 April 22, 2025

MOTION for Leave to Appear Telephonically (Unopposed) by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

RECAP
47 April 25, 2025

SLG TEXT ORDER: The Unopposed Motion to Allow Telephonic Appearance at Docket 46 is GRANTED. Attorney Goriune Dudukgian may appear telephonically at the May 8, 2025 hearing by dialing 571-353-2301 (Call ID 020262828, Pin 487051) approximately five minutes before the scheduled hearing time. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 04/25/2025)

RECAP
April 25, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

48 April 30, 2025

ORDER granting 45 Motion to Amend/Correct Scheduling Order. Close of Fact Discovery due by 9/15/2025. Dispositive Motions due by 10/14/2025. See Order for additional deadlines. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 4/30/2025. (ANM, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

RECAP
49 May 7, 2025

SLG TEXT ORDER: In light of the Court's Order at Docket 48 granting the Unopposed Motion to Amend Scheduling Order (Dkt. 45), the Status Conference on May 8, 2025, is VACATED. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/07/2025)

RECAP
May 7, 2025

1 - Terminate Hearings AND Order

50 May 15, 2025

Joint MOTION [Second - Regarding Production of Protected Information] by Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit [Notice], # 2 Proposed Order)(Sandone, Megan) (Entered: 05/15/2025)

RECAP
51 May 16, 2025

STIPULATION and Partial Settlement Agreement Re: Parent Subclass by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L..(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 05/16/2025)

RECAP
52 May 16, 2025

Joint MOTION Preliminary Approval of Settlement of Parent Subclass Claim by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 05/16/2025)

RECAP
53 May 16, 2025

SLG TEXT ORDER: The Second Joint Motion Regarding Production of Protected Information at Docket 50 is GRANTED. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/16/2025)

RECAP
May 16, 2025

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

54 May 21, 2025

ORDER granting 52 Joint Motion for Preliminary Approval of Settlement of Parent Subclass Claim. The Court hereby ADOPTS the terms of the 51 Stipulation as the ORDER of the Court pending the determination of final approval of the settlement. A hearing on final approval of the settlement of the Parent Subclass claims shall be held on a later date that will be scheduled by the Court. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 5/21/2025. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 05/21/2025)

RECAP
55 July 17, 2025

MOTION to Amend/Correct Scheduling Order (Unopposed) by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 07/17/2025)

RECAP
56 July 21, 2025

ORDER RE PLAINTIFFS' UNOPPOSED MOTION TO AMEND SCHEDULING ORDER. See order for further details. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 7/21/25. (LMH, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 07/21/2025)

RECAP
57 Oct. 15, 2025

Joint MOTION to Amend/Correct 56 Order on Motion to Amend/Correct Joint Motion to Amend Scheduling Order by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Palmer, Aneliese) (Entered: 10/15/2025)

RECAP
58 Oct. 17, 2025

ORDER granting 57 Joint Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. Discovery due by 1/15/2026. Dispositive Motions due by 2/16/2026. See Order for additional deadlines. Signed by Judge Sharon L. Gleason on 10/16/2025. (JDS, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 10/17/2025)

RECAP
59 Dec. 1, 2025

Witness List by Laura Kelly, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, David Russell, Angela Snow. (Sandone, Megan) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
60 Dec. 1, 2025

Witness List by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
61 Dec. 12, 2025

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery by Christi Angelo, L. Shane Land, T.L.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Dudukgian, Goriune) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

RECAP
62 Dec. 17, 2025

SLG TEXT ORDER: The Joint Motion to Extend Fact Discovery Deadline By One Day at Docket 61 is GRANTED. The Court finds good cause to extend the deadline for the close of fact discovery to January 16, 2026. (BJK, COURT STAFF) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

RECAP
Dec. 17, 2025

Order AND ~Util - Set Deadlines AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

63 Feb. 5, 2026

Extension of Time to File Document

RECAP
Feb. 6, 2026

Order AND ~Util - Set Deadlines/Hearings AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

Feb. 12, 2026

Order Reassigning Case

66 March 2, 2026

Summary Judgment

RECAP
67 March 2, 2026

Seal

RECAP
69 March 4, 2026

Order on Motion to Seal

RECAP
70 March 23, 2026

Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

RECAP
March 24, 2026

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

72 March 30, 2026

Response in Opposition to Motion

RECAP
73 April 1, 2026

Notice (Other)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Alaska

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 4, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff seeks to represent a subclass composed of all current MSBSD students with an identified disability (including, but not limited to, students with an IEP or 504 plan) who have been subjected to a “restraint” or “seclusion” by District personnel as those terms are defined under AS 14.33.125(g). Plaintiff and the members of this proposed subclass are collectively called the “Student Subclass” in this Complaint. Parent Plaintiffs seek to represent a subclass composed of all parents and legal guardians of current MSBSD students with an identified disability (including, but not limited to, students with an IEP or 504 plan) who were subjected to a “restraint” or “seclusion” by District personnel, as those terms are defined under AS 14.33.125(g). Parent Plaintiffs and the members of this proposed subclass are collectively called the “Parent Subclass” in this complaint

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

School District

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

Defendant Type(s):

Elementary/Secondary School

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Unreasonable search and seizure

Other Dockets:

District of Alaska 3:23-cv-00272

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

Failure to train

Disability and Disability Rights:

Autism

Developmental disability without intellectual disability

Integrated setting

Intellectual/developmental disability, unspecified

Mental Illness, Unspecified

Mental impairment

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Modifications

Special education

Discrimination Basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Restraints (physical)

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Intellectual/Developmental Disability

Intellectual disability/mental illness dual diagnosis

Recommended Citation