Throughout Massachusetts public schools are cutting classes and staff, and raising athletic and transportation fees. Team Five Investigates’ Rhondella Richardson reported on September 27, 2007 that some school officials believe cuts will keep coming because of the skyrocketing cost of special education.
The Team 5 report includes a close look at special education services, their purpose, and funding sources. In addition, you can find additional resources for information and reports. You can view the complete report by clicking here.
In Franklin, nearly 10 percent of the school budget is used to provide special education services. By law, each school district must provide “a free and appropriate education for special needs students in the least restrictive environment.” This law — known as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) came into effect in 1975. When Congress passed the law, it promised to fund 40% of the associated costs. In reality, however, Franklin receives around 10% reimbursement for special education costs.
We have done a good job in past years balancing the needs of all students, but the system is constantly tested by rising costs. While the per pupil expenditure statewide for regular education students has increased by 88 percent, special education costs have risen by 156 percent in the same time frame. As an example, this week, the Franklin Public Schools were notified that one of its vendors was increasing its tuition by $44,000 per student per year, bringing the total cost to $192,000 annually per student.
The question on special education is not whether we should provide the services. We have a moral obligation to do so, and it is the right thing to do for these children and their families. The question is, however, who should pay. Currently, the burden is left to municipalities like Franklin, and that taxes our limited resources. The only way to meet these budget needs is through property tax overrides — an unpopular choice.
There are potential solutions, however. First, we can demand that Congress increase the funding as promised back in 1975. Second, we can request that the state fund special education transportation. Currently, the state provides no help in that area. And third, we can attempt to keep more special education students in district by expanding program offerings. Franklin has been successful in this third area, but we need more support from the federal and state government.
Look for more information in the newspaper, television, and future School Committee meetings. This is a topic certain to receive more attention.
