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Superintendent warns federal grant cuts could push special education costs onto Dearborn’s general fund
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Malayko told the April 14 board meeting that uncertainty over federal grants — including funding that supports mental-health and special-education services — could force the district to cover mandated services from the general fund; he described ongoing advocacy and upcoming budget work.
At the Dearborn Board of Education meeting on April 14, Superintendent Dr. Malayko warned that potential federal funding cuts could force the district to shift mandated special-education costs into the general fund.
“Next year that would cost us about $1,100,000,” Dr. Malayko said when describing uncertainty tied to a federal grant that supports mental-health and related student services. He added that the district receives roughly $25,000,000 combined from its Title and special-education consolidated applications and that reductions could compel the district to absorb services required by federal law.
Nut graf: If federal grants that support special education are reduced, the district said it would still be legally required to provide IDEA-mandated services; without federal support those costs could be covered by the general fund, potentially affecting other programs and services.
Dr. Malayko said national and state advocacy groups are pushing for full funding of special education and that he has raised the issue with congressional and state staff. “It would actually hurt all so it hurts special ed students but there’s certain services that we would have to absorb in the general fund because you have to implement it by the IDEA law,” he said.
The superintendent also briefed the board on related budget work. He said Tom Wall will review budget details with the board and that the district continues to monitor federal and state actions that could affect next year’s budget. Dr. Malayko noted discussions about a possible one‑year state solution from a rainy-day fund but said no decision had been made.
Votes at a glance: the board approved minutes for prior meetings during the session (motion moved by Trustee Petlichkoff, supported by Trustee Berry; unanimous roll call).
