CCAC backs county and state budget advocacy; directors outline staffing and program changes

The Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee approved minutes, affirmed new members and voted to ask local and state leaders to protect funding for special education services.

At the meeting the committee voted to approve the November 25, 2024 minutes with 16 votes in favor and one abstention (Patty). The committee also approved two advocacy items: a letter to the county executive requesting $20,000,000 above the maintenance‑of‑effort level to support the superintendent’s proposed budget, and a separate letter urging state officials to protect Low‑Intensity Support (LIS) and related disability funding in the governor’s FY26 budget proposal. Both advocacy motions passed by voice vote with no recorded oppositions or abstentions reported in the transcript.

Why it matters: Committee leaders noted the county budget process and the state budget debate both have direct effects on staffing and program availability for students with disabilities in Frederick County. Committee members and community advocates emphasized that…