Hi, I think Sheila is on vacation, and Martie is tied up with personal business. I'm going to try to help as best I can.
Here's a link to an article on www.wrightslaw.com about IEEs:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/test.iee.steedman.htm
From my reading of your situation, it sounds as if the SD is annoyed that you're questioning the report and they don't want to pay for an IEE. I absolutely would recommend pursuing an IEE, as you have stated you are, because no mental health issues are considered in the current evaluation, and I think they do have an impact on how your difficult child accesses his education (regardless of what your difficult child says in an interview because he is, after all, still young).
My understanding of an IEE from the Wrightslaw article is that it can be conducted by a professional more qualified than an SD employee, particularly if the SD does not employee someone qualified in the area your difficult child needs the evaluation. It would absolutely be within your rights to request that the evlauator have expertise in mood disorders.
Just my opinion, but I would advise against meeting with the SD until the IEE is completed. I'm not sure it's going to get you anywhere but more aggravated.
I hope that helps. Please post again with any questions.
