Beloit board unanimously adopts resolution demanding full special‑education reimbursement from state budget

The School District of Beloit Board of Education on June 3 unanimously approved a resolution calling on state lawmakers and the governor to provide full reimbursement for state‑mandated special‑education costs.

The resolution, introduced as a request for increased special‑education reimbursement, originally referenced a 60% target recommended by the state superintendent. During debate Board Member Amy Levy moved to amend the resolution to request 100% reimbursement; the amendment was seconded and passed unanimously and the board approved the edited resolution without dissent.

The resolution cites district spending on special education of $9,650,000 in 2023–24 and $9,300,000 to date for 2024–25 that the district says was used to cover costs not reimbursed by the state. The board’s text also references an estimated $4.3 billion state budget surplus and cites concerns about staff shortages and the impact on services for students with disabilities.

Board members discussed the level of reimbursement to request and the practicalities of advocacy. Superintendent Doctor Garrison said local officials had presented district circumstances to the rating agencies and the state, and board members argued for a strong legislative ask; one board member summarized the position as "closed mouths don't get fed" and moved to seek full reimbursement.

The board asked staff to transmit the resolution to the Joint Finance Committee and to the governor’s office as part of the district’s advocacy on special‑education funding.