Board adopts resolution urging Congress to protect special-education funding amid federal shutdown concerns

The Jefferson Elementary School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved Resolution 251022A calling on members of the U.S. Congress to oppose reductions in funding or organizational changes that could interrupt educational services for students with disabilities.

Superintendent Mulik presented the resolution and said it is intended to safeguard Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) formula and discretionary funding and to oppose reassignment or termination of responsibilities at the Office of Special Education. "This resolution calls on members of the United States Congress to oppose reductions to funding that negatively impact educational services for students with disabilities," Mulik said, reading the motion's core language.

The board voted by roll call to adopt the resolution and Superintendent Mulik said the district will forward the approved resolution to its federal legislators. The roll-call result recorded "I" votes from the trustees present; the meeting transcript shows a unanimous vote among the trustees in attendance.

Trustees framed the action as advocacy rather than a change in district operations. The resolution does not create a local obligation but expresses the district’s position and asks federal representatives to maintain funding and oversight that supports special education services.

Next steps: the district will transmit the adopted resolution to legislators and continue monitoring federal developments that could affect special-education program staffing and funding.