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As a result, the ability of Wisconsin schools to provide classrooms that work is being seriously challenged. Schools are being forced to choose between special education and regular education.
The state and federal laws require that local school districts provide special education and related services for children, ages three through 21, with exceptional educational needs. The state reimburses a portion of the costs for educating and transporting pupils enrolled in special education programs.
The 1999-2001 budget repealed a Wisconsin law mandating that the state reimburse local school districts for 63% of the cost to educate children in special education. Although this statutory requirement existed, the state had not met that commitment for nearly a decade.
Legislative history
WEAC helped form a Special Education Funding Coalition made up of educators,
administrators, school board officials and parents. The coalition fought
for and won an additional $46.7 million in new funds for special education
as part of the 1999-2001 state budget.
This same coalition supports the re-establishment of the 63% reimbursement
rate for local special education costs. The group also called for additional
funding for special education costs as part of the 2001-2003 state budget.
In the end, however, no additional funding was provided for special
education in the budget.
WEAC position
WEAC believes that the state must act now to fund its share of special
education programs. The state should fund special education categorical
aid at the 63% level and become a partner with local school districts
in funding special education. WEAC also supports allowing school districts
to raise funds outside the revenue caps to pay their share of costs
for special education.
Talking points
Additional information
Contact Bob Burke at WEAC at 800-362- 8034 ext. 254 or by e-mail at
burkeb@weac.org with any reactions,
comments or questions.
Posted July 26, 2002