State senator visits Washburn School District, urges focus on special-ed funding and rural supports

A state senator addressed the Washburn School District board and community members about state budget choices, special-education funding and rural-school challenges, urging attention to restoring previously promised special-ed funding and to policies that help sustain rural schools.

The senator (identified in the meeting only by role as a member of the state Senate representing the 25th district) said the legislature’s "intention was to fund special ed at 42 and 45%" but acknowledged that the enacted budget did not meet that level immediately. "We didn't meet our obligation 42 and 45% on the special ed side right out of the gate, which I hope we can back bill later," the senator said, adding that the Senate caucus supports getting that funding out to districts.

Why it matters: special-education funding and how the state shares aid with districts directly affect local property-tax burdens and districts’ ability to provide services. The senator framed those decisions as part of a larger budget negotiation that also involves one-time revenue collections and competing statewide priorities such as Medicaid and infrastructure.

During a wide-ranging exchange, the senator discussed several policy points raised by board members and staff. He described recent budget choices as including large one-time collections that are difficult to convert into ongoing spending and noted a newly measured $1.4 billion in additional revenue the state expects to collect that is now shaping conversations about whether and how to backfill special-ed obligations and provide property-tax relief. "A vast majority was one-time collections," he said, warning against treating one-time money as a permanent resource.

The senator also addressed school choice and voucher transparency when asked about private-school funding. He said breaking costs out on local tax bills is not a true apples-to-apples comparison because state funding and formula mechanics move money across districts. He cautioned that eliminating choice programs could reduce some districts' state aid and that the net fiscal effect depends on where students attend school.

Board members asked about consolidation, declining enrollment and workforce shortages in rural districts. The senator said consolidation discussions include provisions to protect small communities — for example, defining minimum travel times so an isolated school must remain open — and emphasized housing and workforce development as essential complements to education policy. "We either sink or swim together," he said, arguing community economic development and housing can help stabilize enrollment and staffing.

On accountability and transparency, board members asked about financial oversight of private schools that accept vouchers. The senator said private schools must perform annual financial audits and participate in some state testing programs, but acknowledged "it's not apples to apples" and defended maintaining some differences while retaining core accountability measures.

The senator closed by offering continued contact and urging the board to send questions and policy ideas to his office. No legislative action was taken during the meeting; the visit was a policy discussion and opportunity for local officials to raise district-level concerns.

The board will incorporate the senator’s comments into ongoing strategic and financial planning work, including a finance focus group and community engagement tied to the district’s strategic-plan objectives.