Rep. Hall Advocates for Special Needs Students

Hartford – State Representative Carol Hall (R-59) co-sponsored SB 364 ‘An Act Concerning Special Education Funding’ which would lower existing special education reimbursement thresholds.

Currently the state reimburses school districts for a portion of reasonable special educations costs that are four and a half times the average per-pupil spending. This legislation would set the threshold at two times the average per-pupil spending.

“The movement of special needs students in and out of districts can have a huge and unpredictable impact on local education budgets. Lowering this threshold to a more reasonable level will help assure that students with special needs are afforded equal access and opportunity to education no matter which district they live in,” said Rep. Hall. “I believe that this bill is a step in the right direction and will put more reimbursement dollars back into education budgets. We have much more work to do to keep our promise of quality and access for Connecticut students.”

The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education was among several groups supporting the legislation. They reported that special needs students make up 13.4% of the population and account for 20% to 30% of their budgets.

This measure passed the Education Committee 21-14 and is awaiting further action by the House and Senate. For more information or to track the bill visit www.cga.ct.gov.