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Resident urges public review of $9 million special-education spending
Summary
Chuck Ott, a former school psychologist and superintendent, asked the committee to scrutinize the district's $9,000,000 special-education instructional budget (reported as 34% of instruction) and called for more career-and-technical education funding.
During public comment, Chuck Ott of 29 Emmis Way identified himself as a former school psychologist and superintendent and urged the Budget Committee to open a community conversation about the school district's special-education spending.
Ott said the district's special-education instructional budget is $9,000,000 and that figure represents 34% of the instructional budget in the warrant packet. "We don't want to pathologize ordinary life," he said, and encouraged the committee to consider whether classroom instruction or other supports might better serve some students. He also noted that career and technical education received about $25,000 — "less than 1%" by his calculation — and asked whether more resources should go to vocational pathways such as baking and plumbing.
Committee members acknowledged the concern and said the topic merits further review with school leadership and the superintendent; the comment was recorded as public comment and will be part of the committee's public record.
