New Haven officials, teachers and parents flag staffing and funding shortfalls in special education

New Haven — New Haven Public Schools officials told the Board of Alders’ education committee on Jan. 22 that the district is facing rising special-education needs and heavy costs for out-of-district placements while teachers, psychologists and parents urged more staffing, clearer implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and state funding changes.

At a workshop in the Board of Alders Chamber, Tiffany Jackson, executive director of student services for New Haven Public Schools, said the district had “over 3,000 students” in special education as of November 2024 and that the primary disability classification is learning disabilities while low-incidence needs — including autism and multiple disabilities — are increasing. Jackson described a continuum of services the district offers, from co-teaching and inclusion to specialized in-district classrooms and an off-campus program for 18- to 22-year-olds focused on employment skills.

Why it matters: Alders and speakers said the combination of rising need, staff shortages and soaring out-of-district tuition is forcing the city to spend millions and constraining service delivery inside schools. Jackson and others urged state-level changes, including revisions to the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula and higher excess-cost reimbursement, to help cover special-education expenses.

Most important facts

- District size and placements: Jackson said New Haven serves “over 3,000 students” in special education (Nov. 2024), with “a little over 300” in out-of-district placements and about 40 in-district specialized classrooms. She said approximately 190 students are served in charter schools.

- Costs: Jackson said federal IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) funding to the district is “a little over…