Board approves special-education budget and service plan after parent raises provider consistency concerns

The Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Education approved the district's Special Education 2025-26 annual budget and service plan following a detailed presentation by Jason Ramirez, executive director of the SELPA.

Ramirez told trustees that staff and contracted services make up the majority of special-education expenditures and that projected revenue for the program is roughly $115 million, a mix of state, federal and local contributions: "The state will provide a nice portion of revenue... a little over $32,000,000," Ramirez said, adding that federal revenue is about $8 million and local contributions make up the balance.

During public comment, parent Wakisha Wilkerson, whose children have IEPs, said services at times changed providers mid-year and that consistency matters for students: "With their conditions, consistency is really, really important," she said, asking for clearer documentation on contractors and outcome expectations. Ramirez and other staff committed to follow up and to meet with the parent after the meeting.

Board members asked for clarity on the number and costs of non-public school placements; Ramirez said the district currently has 31 students in non-public schools and that costs vary widely by need, from roughly $50,000 to $200,000 per student depending on services and transportation.

Trustees voted 5-0 to approve the special-education budget and annual service plan. Administration said it will continue monitoring federal funding assumptions and report back as the state finalizes its budget.