| (a) A hearing officer may grant extensions of time
for good cause beyond the time period specified in §89.1185(l)
of this title (relating to Hearing Procedures) at the request of either
party. A hearing officer must not solicit extension requests, grant
extensions on his or her own behalf, or unilaterally issue extensions
for any reason. Any extension must be granted to a specific date,
and the reason for the extension must be documented in a written order
of the hearing officer and provided to each of the parties.
(b) A hearing officer may grant a request for an extension
only after fully considering the cumulative impact of the following
factors:
(1) whether the delay will positively contribute to,
or adversely affect, the child's educational interest or well-being;
(2) the need of a party for additional time to prepare
or present the party's position at the hearing;
(3) any adverse financial or other detrimental consequences
likely to be suffered by a party in the event of delay; and
(4) whether there has already been a delay in the proceeding
through the actions of one of the parties.
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