(1) The impartial hearing officer may confer with the parties for the purpose of attempting informal disposition of any special education controversy in addition to the requirements in ARM 10.16.3510 and 10.16.3512.

(2) This conference of informal disposition may occur at any time prior to the issuing of the final findings of fact, conclusions of law and order of the impartial hearing officer. The parties may resolve the special education controversy by stipulation, agreed settlement, dismissal, or other resolution. To be effective, any agreement made at such conference must be reduced to writing and signed by all parties. An agreed resolution shall end the proceedings upon formal action of the hearing officer.