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Lakeland School files high-cost special-education claim for $2.98 million; estimated state reimbursement may be prorated
Summary
Lakeland School submitted a high-cost special-education aid claim for 61 students totaling $2,982,322 for the 2023–24 school year and estimated an eligible reimbursement of $1,316,500; payment rates may be prorated because the statewide appropriation is fixed at $14,480,000.
Lakeland School submitted its spring 2025 high-cost special-education aid claim on April 23, seeking reimbursement for 61 students whose individual costs exceeded $30,000 in the 2023–24 school year.
School staff told the Walworth County Children with Disabilities Education Board that the total cost for those 61 students was $2,982,322 and that, if fully funded at the school’s estimated share, the district would receive $1,316,500. Staff noted that statewide the average reimbursement rate historically has been about 24.23 percent of eligible costs above the $30,000 threshold and that payments depend on a fixed state appropriation. For the 2024–25 school year, the state appropriation for high-cost aid was $14,480,000; if total claims statewide exceed that appropriation, payments are prorated and districts receive less than their eligible share.
Lakeland staff said the district budgeted $264,000 in anticipated high-cost aid for FY25 and will continue to rely on categorical aid and local tax-levy funds to cover services when reimbursement falls short. The school’s process for claims reviews includes itemizing costs such as one-on-one support, assistive technology, therapy minutes and other direct special-education expenses, with the district submitting its aggregated claim each spring for the prior school year.
Board members were reminded that many districts across Wisconsin submit high-cost claims and that as more districts submit claims or as costs rise, prorating against the fixed appropriation is a recurring risk.
No formal vote was required to file the claim; staff confirmed the submission and placed the matter on the board's radar for budget season discussions.
