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Students and parents urge Warrick County School Corporation to defend special-education funding
Summary
Students and family members told the Warrick County School Corporation board that proposals to reduce or eliminate federal education funding could threaten services for students with disabilities, and asked the district to advocate to state and federal lawmakers.
Kylie Chapman, a sophomore at Bridal High School, and several parents told the Warrick County School Corporation board on Feb. 24 that they want the district to speak up against proposals they said could reduce federal supports for students with disabilities.
The speakers said programs funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education and federal dollars provide critical services such as individualized education programs (IEPs). "My name is Kylie Chapman and I am a sophomore at Bridal High School," Chapman said during public comment, and she asked the school corporation to back advocacy to preserve supports. "We support whatever advocacy efforts this corporation undertakes to help make sure that disabled students continue to receive the support and funding that they need," she said.
Robert Howard, who identified himself as a parent, said federal funding is essential to services his son receives. "Without the DOE and the funding that we get from Washington, he doesn't have anything from an education," Howard said, urging board members to use media and constituent outreach to oppose cuts. He added: "Be loud. Be obnoxious. The loudest wheel gets the grease."
Board members acknowledged the speakers and encouraged civic advocacy. Board member Mister Baker praised Chapman’s courage and said it reflects the district’s community engagement.
Why it matters: Chapman and Howard framed their remarks around proposals reported in public discourse this year to reduce or eliminate certain federal education functions. The comments signal constituent concern about the continuity of special-education services and ask the locally elected board to press state and federal lawmakers to preserve funding and programs.
The speakers asked the board to consider outreach strategies, including contacting state legislators. The board’s regular meeting record and later agenda items show the district is monitoring state legislation and preparing for potential budget impacts.
The board did not take formal action during public comment; speakers’ requests were recorded for the public record and referenced later during the meeting’s legislative update.
