Board calls for full federal funding of IDEA, pledges advocacy in Washington
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Summary
The board unanimously passed Resolution 71 urging Congress to fulfill the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funding promise; trustees discussed longstanding shortfall and planned advocacy trip to D.C.
The Birmingham Board of Education unanimously approved Resolution 71 on Tuesday calling for full, permanent funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Dr. Roberson introduced the resolution and a trustee moved it forward for board consideration. “IDEA stands for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,” a trustee explained during discussion, and speakers described the program as an underfunded federal mandate. Board members noted that while the federal law pledged full funding in 1975, Congress has never reached that level.
A trustee with experience advocating in Washington told the board that national proponents support full funding but congressional action has been limited: “we have never even been able to get a hearing to have this passed,” the trustee said. Trustees urged community members to contact Congressional offices in support of increasing IDEA funding; Dr. Roberson and Audra (Holdreff) said they will travel to Washington, D.C., in two weeks to press for increased IDEA funding on behalf of the district.
The motion passed 6–0. Following the vote, trustees reiterated that increased IDEA funding would expand services and programs for students with disabilities but noted that securing congressional action will require sustained advocacy.
Resolution 71 will be used by district leadership as part of planned advocacy outreach to federal representatives.