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LADSI tells Lyons Township board special-education needs, autism and outplacement costs are rising; LADSI FY27 budget posted for public comment
Summary
LADSI presenters told the board cooperative demand is rising (autism up ~55% over nine years; more classrooms planned), private-placement costs and state reimbursement proration are increasing, and the LADSI FY27 tentative budget (~$36 million, +4.97%) will be posted for 30 days before final approval.
Leaders from the special-education cooperative LADSI briefed the Lyons Township High School District 204 board on June 16 about accelerating demand for specialized services, rising placement costs and a tentative FY27 budget.
Ellie Ambuehl (LADSI) presented cooperative-wide trend data showing an increase in autism diagnoses and program intensity (Ambuehl cited roughly 55% growth in autism over the past nine years across LADSI districts) and described rapid classroom expansion to meet need. She said LRB Academy currently serves a growing number of students (Ambuehl referenced 37 total LT/LRB enrollments on a slide) and that LADSI has opened new classrooms and sites (LADSI West, LADSI North) to respond to demand.
Ambuehl also described private‑placement and tuition pressures: high‑acuity private placements can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per day (she cited ranges of approximately $500–$1,000 per day for specialty placements), and state reimbursement formulas are prorated so districts do not receive full statutory reimbursement; Ambuehl said proration reduced reimbursement to an estimated ~60% this year, increasing district net cost.
Nick (LADSI finance lead) presented LADSI's tentative FY27 budget of just over $36 million, a 4.97% increase from FY26. He said the main drivers are a 4% salary increase, benefits increases, higher program and placement demand, additional contractual services and costs for new classroom spaces. The budget will be posted for 30 days and return to the board in August for formal approval.
Board members requested disaggregated and district‑specific data (including high-school‑age and equity breakdowns) to better understand how outplacements and disability categories affect LT. LADSI agreed to share detailed district-level trends to support budgeting and program responses.
The board moved to approve posting the LADSI FY27 tentative budget; the motion passed by roll call.
Sources and attribution: LADSI presentation by Ellie Ambuehl and Nick; Dr. Owens introduced the presenters and participated in Q&A.
