California OAH special education order · August 27, 2026
Order of Recusal
OAH Case No. 2026070477 · ALJ Theresa Ravandi
ALJ Theresa Ravandi recused herself from Student's case against San Marcos Unified, finding recusal would serve the interests of justice and a person aware of the facts might reasonably doubt her impartiality.
Summary
OAH assigned ALJ Theresa Ravandi to the prehearing conference and due process hearing in Student's case against San Marcos Unified School District. The next day, she recused herself on her own initiative under Code of Civil Procedure section 170.1, subdivision (a)(6)(A). She found that recusal would further the interests of justice and that a person aware of the facts might reasonably doubt her ability to be impartial. The order does not describe the underlying facts.
Why it matters
ALJs can step aside on their own when their impartiality could reasonably be questioned. Parties do not always need to file a peremptory challenge or a motion to disqualify, and a new ALJ will be assigned.
Key authority cited
- Code Civ. Proc., § 170.1, subd. (a)(6)(A)
People named in the order
- Theresa Ravandi, Administrative Law Judge
Topics
Full text of the order
Published text of the OAH order. Page headers and numbers from the original PDF have been dropped.
BEFORE THE
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE MATTER OF:
PARENTS ON BEHALF OF STUDENT,
v.
SAN MARCOS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.
OAH CASE NUMBER 2026070477
ORDER OF RECUSAL
AUGUST 27, 2026
On July 10, 2026, Student filed a Due Process Hearing Request with the Office of Administrative Hearings, called OAH. On August 26, 2026, OAH assigned Administrative Law Judge Theresa Ravandi to the prehearing conference and due process hearing for this matter. The Administrative Law Judge is called an ALJ.
California Code of Civil Procedure section 170.1, subdivision (a)(6)(A) mandates that a judge shall be disqualified if for any reason:
i. The judge believes his or her recusal would further the interests of justice.
ii. The judge believes there is a substantial doubt as to his or her capacity to be impartial.
iii. A person aware of the facts might reasonably entertain a doubt that the judge would be able to be impartial.
ALJ Ravandi believes that her recusal would further the interests of justice and a person aware of the facts might reasonably entertain a doubt that ALJ Ravandi would be able to be impartial. Accordingly, ALJ Ravandi recuses herself from hearing this matter.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Theresa Ravandi Administrative Law Judge Office of Administrative Hearings