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Agency report: intensity of special‑education needs, not overall caseload, is driving cost growth
Summary
Agency of Education officials told a joint House Ways & Means and House Education hearing that Vermont’s number of students with individualized education programs (IEPs) has risen even as total enrollment fell, and that extraordinary costs—dominated by autism and emotional‑disturbance cases—account for roughly half of spending growth despite comprising about 15% of total special‑education dollars.
Secretary Zoe Saunders and Agency of Education staff presented a statutorily required review of special education delivery and costs, saying higher‑intensity cases are the central driver of recent spending increases.
“Overall enrollment has declined, but the number of students with IEPs has increased,” said Dr. Erin Davis, the agency’s chief academic officer, summarizing a key finding that rising extraordinary costs—principally tuition and transportation for more intensive placements—have driven nearly half of special‑education spending growth over six years while making up only about 15% of total special‑education expenditures.
The agency’s presentation cited measurement changes and growing intensity in particular disability categories. Anna Russo, the agency’s technical assistance and professional development manager,…
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