<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 13A.01.05.03" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="05" heading="Response to Appeals.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Time for Response. Within 20 days after the State Board sends a copy of the appeal to the local superintendent, the respondent shall file a memorandum in response to the appeal or a motion to dismiss, whichever is appropriate.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Motion to Dismiss.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A motion to dismiss shall specifically state the facts and reasons upon which the motion is based that may include, but are not limited to, the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The local board has not made a final decision;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The appeal has become moot;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The appellant lacks standing to bring the appeal;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The State Board has no jurisdiction over the appeal; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>The appeal has not been filed within the time prescribed by Regulation .02B of this chapter.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The State Board may, on its own motion, or on motion filed by any party, dismiss an appeal for one or more of the reasons listed in §B(1) of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Memorandum in Response to the Appeal.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The respondent may file a memorandum in response to the appeal.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The memorandum shall contain the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A concise statement of the questions presented for review;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A statement of the facts material to those questions;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>An argument on each question, including citations of authority, reference to relevant legal principles, and reference to pages of the record and exhibits relied on, if any;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>A short conclusion stating the relief sought; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Any supporting documents, exhibits, and affidavits.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The appellant may file a response to the memorandum, and the local board may file a reply to the response.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The State Board may decide the appeal on the merits based on the filings.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Record.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The local board shall file the record of the local proceedings with the local board's response.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Transcript.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The stenographic record of an evidentiary hearing before the local board or its designee shall be transcribed, and the cost of transcription shall initially be paid by the appellant.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>An appellant who prevails in an appeal before the State Board shall be reimbursed the cost of the transcription by the local board.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The transcript shall be filed promptly with the State Board.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Parties may agree by written stipulation to omit from the record and transcript those parts unnecessary for the determination of the issues presented to the State Board.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Waiver of Transcription Costs.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>An individual appellant who by reason of indigence is unable to pay the cost of transcription may file a request for waiver of the costs, with the State Superintendent.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The request of waiver shall be accompanied by an affidavit verifying the facts set forth in the request and the appellant's inability to pay.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The State Superintendent shall review the request for waiver of costs and the accompanying affidavit and may require the appellant to supplement or explain any of the matters set forth in the papers.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>If the State Superintendent is satisfied that the appellant is unable by reason of indigence to pay the cost of transcription, the State Superintendent may waive the payment of cost, and the cost shall be paid by the local board.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>A waiver of transcription costs shall only be available to an individual appellant and not to a group or other entity.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>