ASE ADVOCATING FOR APPROPRIATE SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING
Note to Members: Below is a copy of a position paper put forth to the Chairs of Joint Committee on Education, Arts & Humanities and Chairs of Committee on Ways and Means regarding FY04 Budget - Special Education Schools Residential Placements.
Re: Special Education Residential Schools FY04 Budget
The Massachusetts Administrators of Special Education Executive Board respectfully submits an urgent request to secure effective and efficient funding appropriations for special education students placed in residential schools cost shared between the Department of Education and respective Local Education Agencies.
Our interest, in this request, is to ensure adequate funding for eligible special education students in the Commonwealth that are;
Currently enrolled in residential school programs/services
Prospective students requiring residential school programs/services
Simultaneously, we aim to maintain the status of the
"50/50" program, so that Administrators of Special Education, in
serving our most challenged and at risk eligible special education
students in need of residential placements for educational reasons,
without jeopardy and fiscal ambiguity.
On behalf of our membership, representing Special Education Administrators
throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we seek the following at
this time, regarding the Massachusetts Board of Education FY04 Budget
Requests for Line Item / Account #7061-0012 (Special Education Residential
Schools, also known as the "50/50" program.) The following
criteria, for budgeting, for this line item are essential:
Retention of the line item and funds to match need
Funded, appropriately and efficiently, to cover projected costs (including the current deficit associated with the account)
Funded, supporting unanticipated costs associated with students who will become eligible for the program
Funded to include the current rate of inflation at 2.66% (associated with OSD rates)
Funded to include unanticipated cost increases in reconstruction rates/tuition increases which may occur for residential schools providing the special education services
Continuation of supplemental appropriations (as has been past practice for unanticipated costs)
As an organization, we recognize that there are
significant fiscal issues facing the Commonwealth, at this time, as budget
needs are being processed. We also recognize that difficult
decisions will have to be made regarding appropriations for educational
needs as cuts and shortfalls impact future budget
decisions/allocations. We are empathetic with the dilemma that
arises when there are competing priorities for monies.
At the same time, we are cognizant of the fact that Chapter 766/IDEA are
mandated entitlements which require appropriate, effective and timely
funding in order for Local Education Agencies to fulfill their obligations
to serve those students that are eligible and in need of special education
services/programs.
Appropriate funding must support these mandates, which provide services
and programs to our most challenged special education students and support
the entitlement to a free and appropriate education.
We urge and encourage fiscal decision-makers, to fully fund Line Item /
Account # 7061-0012 of the Board of Education FY04 Budget requests, by
accepting the above proposal, which we feel supports Chapter 766/IDEA
mandates/entitlements, in a manner that verifies the practitioners
understanding of implementing these programs/services in meeting special
education student needs in this category.
On behalf of the President of the Executive Board, Dr. Karen Watts, I
thank you in advance for attending and sanctioning the requests made
herein.
I remain available and open to discussion with you, should that be
warranted. I can be reached by calling 617-630-1516 or 617-561-0367.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ms. Carla B. Jentz
Executive Director
Cc; Dr. David Driscoll, Commissioner of Education (Massachusetts)
Ms. Marcia Mittnacht, State Department of
Education Special Education Administrator (Massachusetts)