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Board hears concerns about long-standing shortfall in special education funding
Summary
Special Education Director and the superintendent told the board that SPED funding has not increased since 1991 and discussed how eligibility changes and rising need could require budget adjustments to maintain services and staff morale.
Special Education Director Ms. Johnson reviewed a SPED funding flyer and highlighted that Cascade SD 5’s special education students show high graduation rates compared with neighboring districts. She told the board that eligibility criteria and service demands have changed over time, and that the district may need budget adjustments to continue meeting student needs without creating friction between SPED and general education funding.
Superintendent Darin Drill noted that state funding for SPED has not increased since 1991, a point that prompted board questions about long-term affordability and program staffing. Board members and Ms. Johnson discussed potential approaches and agreed to continue conversations; no formal budget action was taken at the meeting.
