Haskell Proposes Increased SPED Support

Legislation introduced by State Senator Will Haskell would provide financial relief to school districts by increasing reimbursements for special education services.

Currently, reimbursements begin only when special education case expenses exceed 4.5 times a school district’s average per pupil cost. Senator Haskell’s Senate Bill 47 would reduce the multiplier to 2.5, making state assistance available in a larger number of cases.

The bill would also remove the existing cap on special education cost reimbursements.

“Special education comprises an ever-growing percentage of district budgets, and state support is frankly insufficient,” said Senator Haskell. “This bill ensures that our local schools are able to meet the needs of every student, regardless of their individual needs.”

Weston Board of Education chair Tony Pesco said, “I thank Senator Haskell for his leadership on this very important issue. Local school districts are struggling with the increased costs of special education. This bill is a very important step in lightening the burden on municipalities.”

Senate Bill 47 has been referred to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education.