The family of a deaf and dyslexic child plan to file suit against the Lindenhurst School District, claiming teachers exaggerated his progress to receive state funding.

Eleven-year-old Corey Birsner's parents have accused Edward Bower Elementary School, which Birsner attended from first to fifth grade, of inflating his grades instead of properly teaching him. Until six months ago, they claim, Birsner still couldn't read.

"It made me feel like I was different," he said. "I didn't belong."

Birsner's parents enrolled their son at a special needs school, where they said he is excelling. With tuition and transportation totaling more than $15,000 annually, the family plans on suing the district for financial help.

The district said in a statement that it did all it could to help Birsner become successful. New York State previously ruled the district should not have to pay for private school fees, but the family would like to go ahead with its lawsuit nonetheless.