Connecticut advocates call for special education funding reform to meet legal obligations

The Connecticut State Legislature's Select Committee on Special Education convened on April 21, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the funding and provision of special education services in the state. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the underfunding of special education programs, which advocates argue is detrimental to students' academic potential and the state's long-term economic health.

Julia Bolland, representing Connecticut for All, opened the discussion by emphasizing the urgent need for increased funding to meet both state and federal legal obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). She pointed out that Connecticut's public schools are currently failing to provide adequate support for students with special needs, largely due to staffing shortages and insufficient funding mechanisms. Bolland noted that only 1 percent of students with special needs qualify for the existing excess cost grant, despite these students making up 18.5 percent of the public school population. She argued that dedicated funding for special education is essential to ensure that resources are used appropriately and effectively.

Following Bolland, Drew Jones addressed the committee, outlining how fiscal roadblocks hinder the General Assembly's ability to fulfill its constitutional duty to provide a minimally adequate public education. He highlighted the disparities in educational quality across districts, citing testimonies from students who reported inadequate facilities and resources. Jones stressed that without addressing these fiscal challenges, the state risks failing its educational obligations, which could have lasting negative impacts on students' futures and the state's economy.

The meeting also featured testimony from parents and advocates who expressed their opposition to certain proposed bills, voicing concerns about the barriers they face in advocating for their children's educational needs. They underscored the importance of ensuring that all students, particularly those with disabilities, receive the support necessary to thrive in an inclusive educational environment.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members engaged with the speakers, seeking clarification on various points raised. The discussions underscored a collective recognition of the pressing need for reform in funding mechanisms to better support special education in Connecticut.

In conclusion, the Select Committee on Special Education's meeting served as a platform for stakeholders to voice their concerns and advocate for necessary changes in funding and policy. The committee is expected to consider the testimonies and recommendations as they move forward in addressing the challenges facing special education in the state.