D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-E2406
In all instances where a hearing is required or allowed by the provisions of this title, the hearing shall be conducted by an impartial hearing officer who has no personal or professional interest which would conflict with the objective processing of the case, and, who is assigned to conduct the hearing by the Superintendent of Schools or his or her designee.
All hearing officers shall be contracted for by the D.C. Public Schools on a full- time or part-time basis to serve in that capacity, and shall have qualifications and training appropriate to the subject matter of the hearing(s) to which they are assigned. Hearing officers in cases involving special education issues shall not be employees of public agencies which are involved in the education or care of the child for whom the hearing is being held.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-E2406