Beloit board unanimously calls on state for 100% special-education reimbursement in amended resolution

The School District of Beloit Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution on June 3 urging Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee to provide full reimbursement for state-mandated special-education costs.

The board read a resolution noting that the district spent $9,650,000 in 2023-24 and $9,300,000 to date in 2024-25 on special-education costs "not covered by the reimbursement," and referenced the state superintendent's earlier proposal to increase reimbursement. The resolution initially requested 60% reimbursement; during discussion Board Member Amy Levy moved to amend the request to 100% and the board approved the amendment. The full resolution as adopted calls for at least 100% reimbursement for special education and an increase in per-pupil general funding tied to inflation.

Nut graf: the resolution frames special education as a state-mandated responsibility that imposes substantial costs on local districts and cites an estimated state surplus as available funding; the board's action is a formal advocacy step to press state policymakers for funding changes.

Board members discussed the policy reasoning and phrasing before the vote. One board member said, "I'm a firm believer that closed mouths don't get fed," urging a stronger request. The motion to adopt the amended resolution carried unanimously.

Ending: The board directed the resolution to be issued publicly; there was no immediate fiscal action tied to the resolution itself, which is a formal policy statement urging state action.