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Monrovia Unified board adopts letter urging full federal funding for special education
Summary
The Monrovia Unified Board of Education voted 5-0 to send an advocacy letter to federal and state lawmakers calling for full, law‑mandated funding of special education, saying the district is covering an estimated $10 million shortfall from its general fund.
The Monrovia Unified Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a letter urging federal and state lawmakers to fully fund special education programs, citing a roughly $10 million gap the district says it must cover from its general fund.
Vice President Trevante read the letter during the meeting, saying the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) obligates federal support and noting that federal funding “has consistently failed to meet its commitment” to cover the excess cost of educating students with disabilities. The board’s letter cites Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District (2017) and Brown v. Board of Education (1954) to frame the legal and moral basis for the request.
The letter lays out the district’s figures for fiscal year 2023–24: more than $18 million spent on special education, approximately $1.6 million in federal funding and about $6.4 million in state funding, leaving the district to subsidize the remainder—an estimated $10,000,000—from general‑purpose funds. The board said those numbers drive the urgency of the advocacy.
Board president Hammond and other members said they hope Monrovia Unified’s action will prompt other districts to join a broader coalition and increase pressure on federal and state lawmakers. Board members discussed sharing the letter with neighboring districts, local superintendent groups and the California School Boards Association, and public outreach to encourage constituents to contact legislators.
The board approved sending the letter and the associated press outreach unanimously. The item passed by a roll‑call vote recorded as 5–0. The board said it would follow up with outreach to SELPA partners and federal and state representatives and suggested staff and board members set meetings with legislators to press for legislation or budget changes that would increase special education funding.
What’s next: The board asked staff to help circulate the letter to other districts and to prepare materials for community members and elected officials so constituents can easily contact their representatives about special education funding.
