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Board discusses resolution calling for full funding of IDEA; action scheduled for March
Summary
Members supported a resolution asking Congress to create a 10‑year mandatory path to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); the board agreed to place the resolution on the March 11 agenda for action.
Board members discussed a draft resolution urging Congress to establish a 10‑year mandatory path to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Presenters noted the federal commitment in IDEA originally aimed to fund 40% of the average per‑pupil special education expenditure and that current federal reimbursement is roughly 10–11% of that target.
Board members and speakers said federal underfunding requires the district to shift general fund resources to meet mandated special education services, reducing dollars available for other students. One speaker noted the highest federal share in modern history was in the mid‑2000s at about 18%.
The board agreed there was sufficient interest to bring the resolution back as an action item at its March 11, 2025 meeting so the full board can vote. The resolution text read that the district “calls for Congress to immediately pass for full funding which would create a 10 year mandatory path to fully fund IDEA” and asks state legislators to increase equitable funding to districts.
Board members and public speakers encouraged constituents to support national advocacy efforts and referenced resources such as fulfillthepromise.net to contact federal legislators.
