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Teachers, parents and union press Wake County board to protect special education amid possible $18M cuts
Summary
Dozens of parents, teachers and union leaders urged the board to prioritize special education and behavior supports after staff referenced potential cuts. Speakers cited an $18,000,000 figure and warned that reductions could affect services, transportation and caseloads for vulnerable students.
Dozens of parents, special education teachers and Wake NCAE union representatives used the board's public comment period to press the Wake County Board of Education to protect special education programs amid warnings of large budget reductions.
"I'm appalled to read that special education will be impacted by budget cuts," parent Susan Book told the board, citing rising short‑term suspension numbers and data showing disproportionate impacts on African American students with disabilities. "Do you think that cutting the special education budget will do anything to help this?"
Several speakers referenced a district email they had received that described about an $18,000,000 reduction and potential elimination of roughly 130 positions. "We are hearing about $18,000,000 in budget cuts and cuts to 130 positions," said Steve Svedi, a high school teacher and parent, who urged the board to ask the county commissioners for needed funds.
Teachers and union leaders described staffing shortages, unsustainable caseloads and transportation failures that interfere with students' legally required services. Laura Huntington, a pre‑K instructional assistant, recounted a classroom incident in which she had to "separate him from everyone else" while substitute staff were unable to respond because other schools were also short staffed. "These teaching and learning conditions aren't sustainable," she said.
Wake NCAE leaders argued for a seven‑point package of reforms including hiring stability, lower caseloads, case managers to reduce paperwork and stronger behavior supports. "Are you going to stand up for your 160,000 students and fulfill your duties by asking the county commission for what Wake actually needs?" union speaker Emily Hooks asked the board.
Superintendent Taylor responded that the administration recognizes the district's special education challenges and that "there's not a single one that I or my administration disagree with" among the union's recommendations, while reiterating the district must balance requests with what the community will support fiscally. Taylor said staff are reviewing contracted transportation providers and are considering case‑management models to address paperwork burdens.
Speakers also raised concerns about restraint and seclusion reporting, investigative transparency and parents' experience navigating complaint processes. One commenter cited a previous court ruling and criticized reductions in publicly available parent resources on the district website.
What happens next: the board and staff will continue budget work sessions and post staff responses and budget documents publicly. Community budget hearings are scheduled in April; union leaders and parents urged board members to press the county for additional funding before the district finalizes its proposed budget.
