Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
District officials warn state shift to high-cost special-education aid could widen inequities
Summary
Waunakee staff said a potential state budget shift from broad special-education categorical aid toward a targeted high-cost special-education aid program could disadvantage districts that do not apply; Waunakee officials said the district is well positioned to apply but urged statewide attention.
WAUNAKEE, Wis. — At its June 4 budget committee meeting, Waunakee Community School District staff said they are closely monitoring state budget talks after receiving notice that discussions may be shifting funding away from general special-education categorical aid toward a high-cost special-education aid program that requires districts to apply.
A staff member (name not specified) told the committee, "We got a very concerning email from the school administrators alliance... the conversations in the capital were shifting off of state special ed categorical aid, and towards something called high cost specialty." The staff member said that shift is concerning because "not every district applies for that" and it requires significant administrative work to participate.
The district explained why the distinction matters:…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
