Beloit Board of Education seeks 100% reimbursement for special education funding

The Beloit School District's Business, Operations, and Finance Committee, along with the Board of Education, convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding special education funding and salary negotiations for the upcoming school year.

A significant focus of the meeting was the approval of a resolution regarding special education funding. Board member Brian Nichols moved to approve the resolution with modifications discussed in a previous meeting. The board unanimously agreed to amend the resolution to request full reimbursement for special education costs, changing the initial request from 60% to 100%. This amendment was supported by several board members who emphasized the importance of adequate funding for special education, which is mandated by the state.

Dr. Garrison, the district's superintendent, highlighted the challenges faced in securing full reimbursement, noting that the current reimbursement rate is around 30%. He expressed optimism that requesting a higher percentage would not result in penalties, encouraging the board to advocate for full funding.

In addition to special education funding, the meeting addressed initial salary offers for the 2025-2026 school year. The Beloit Education Association (BEA) proposed a professional advancement plan and a cost-of-living increase of 2.95% for educators. In contrast, the Board of Education's initial offer was a 1.5% increase. The discussion on salary negotiations is expected to continue, with both parties aiming to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the board and the BEA to engage in further discussions to address the financial needs of educators and the importance of funding for special education services.