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Board hears legislative committee update on special‑education funding; caution urged about formula changes
Summary
A Williston School Board update summarized a legislative study committee’s review of special‑education funding, outlining tradeoffs in weighted formulas, high‑cost student protections and uncertain Medicaid billing; the presenter cautioned against changing North Dakota’s formula without new state funding.
Mr. Nice, who reported as a participant in the state legislative special‑education study committee, briefed the board on the panel’s recent work and recommended caution before altering North Dakota’s funding formula.
"It seems to me that we're kind of putting the cart before the horse," Mr. Nice said, arguing that some states developed formulas after securing stable funding. He told the board the committee examined Wyoming (which he described as fully funding special education after litigation) and Illinois as contrasting models but warned that a formula change without additional resources could hurt districts.
Mr. Nice explained how the state currently handles high‑cost students: the reimbursement threshold is calculated at roughly four times average per‑pupil cost (about $54,000–$60,000 depending on age), with state review and reimbursement for costs above that level. He said there has been discussion about changing the multiplier (for example, reducing it to three times average cost) to provide more state support, but emphasized that any change would require legislative action.
The update also covered Medicaid billing as a revenue source for special services, noting potential restrictions under discussion and expiration of some billing flexibilities after 2027. Mr. Nice urged the board to consider service environment and case‑management workload rather than disability‑category weighting alone, pointing out perverse incentives that could arise from categorical weightings.
On workforce issues, Mr. Nice said the committee will study teacher recruitment and retention, noting gaps between some accelerated preparation programs and classroom readiness. He highlighted local efforts to create career pathways and grow paraprofessional and teacher candidates from within the region.
Board members asked clarifying questions about child counts and whether a formula change should proceed if the state budget outlook remains tight. Mr. Nice said Williston’s special‑education population has hovered around 13–13.5% and that the committee will continue to consider metrics, service environments and professional preparation at future meetings.
The board received the update; no vote or policy change was taken at the meeting.
