A move to put more money into special education got a big cheerleader on Thursday. The governor has announced that full funding for special education is one of his priorities for the second term.

This is what Chanute superintendent Dr. Kellen Adams said about the need for children’s education and special education funding. said that it is best for children of

He joined other school leaders on Thursday in an attempt to spread the word about the growing funding shortfall.

“It should be an easy conversation,” said Goddard Superintendent Dr. Justin Henry. “Doing the right thing to serve all students and ultimately always being in a better place.”

Kansas law requires the state to pay 92% of the additional costs incurred by schools in providing special education services, yet Kansas currently funds only 71% of these costs. Hmm.

Federal law means they can’t cut service.

“Special education is a great example of how public schools partner, listen and show respect for parents… We don’t have enough money for what our students need,” Kyle said. Carlin, West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative.

The district says it is making up the shortfall by shifting about 10% of its regular classroom budget to special education.

“That’s real money in our district,” said Dr. Adams. It’s scaled back and added a few other things that I think would be great for students.”

Ten years ago we said school districts were well funded, but a lot has happened since. This will require an increase in the number of children eligible for special education services and increased competition from other districts as well as private commercial enterprises for the highly educated personnel needed. It also includes becoming

“We are currently in a very high, very competitive wage environment,” said Dr. Adams.

“Then think about who is providing IEP services to children,” added Dr. Henry. “OT, PT, psychologist, social worker, school nurse,

And they say state funds just haven’t kept up with inflation.

“If states keep adding 1% when real costs are up 5%, the gap will only widen over time,” Carlin said.

Now there is pressure to grab the attention of lawmakers before the new legislative session begins in January in hopes of turning the trend around.

That’s why the news Thursday morning that Gov. Laura Kelly made full funding for special education part of her plan for her second term was very welcome.

Lawrence School Board President Shannon Kimball said, “It’s comforting to know that we may be able to do some relief in that area.
Additionally, many school districts have used special federal COVID relief funds for schools to try to fill the gaps of the past few years, but that funding is now fading away.