Coalition Urges More Funding for Special Education
The Special Education Coalition has asked the Legislature to renew
its commitment to help special needs children receive a quality education.
The statewide coalition, composed of various education groups including
WEAC, called on a legislative committee to support Senate Bill 342,
which would re-establish the state’s commitment to fund 63% of
school district special education costs. That commitment was eliminated
in the state’s last biennial budget.
“The current system forces districts to choose between special
education and regular education,” according to a coalition news
release. “Districts are required to fund special education, which
means they often divert funds from regular education programs to special
education. The result is often a lack of funds to adequately provide
a good education for anyone. We are asking the Legislature help districts
make sure that all children, no matter what their needs, receive a top
quality education.”
The coalition also requested a Legislative Council study on better
ways to fund special education.
“A study could help districts provide that quality education for
all children,” WEAC Legislative Consultant Tricia Yates said.
Posted February 23, 2000