During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the current state of special education enrollment and associated costs, revealing a stable enrollment trend but a significant rise in expenses per student. Contrary to popular belief, the number of students enrolled in special education has not increased significantly; however, the cost per student with an out-of-district placement has surged by $40,000, marking a 37% increase projected over the next three years.

The meeting highlighted that while the overall enrollment remains steady, the nature of placements has shifted, with a notable increase in both day and residential placements. This trend is expected to contribute to a 19.2% increase in costs for fiscal year 2025. Key drivers of these rising costs include contracted paraprofessional services and an uptick in out-of-district tuition, particularly for residential placements.

A ten-year trend analysis presented during the meeting illustrated that the number of students placed out of district has decreased from 77 in October 2015 to the low forties currently, thanks to systematic efforts to enhance in-district programs. The special education team has focused on meeting federal requirements and promoting inclusion, which has led to significant cost savings over the years.

Officials emphasized that the remaining out-of-district placements are primarily for students with intensive needs, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to serve these students inclusively. The discussion concluded with a commitment to further proposals aimed at addressing the remaining challenges in special education service delivery.