Urges State to fully fund extraordinary special education aid for students in 2023-2024 fiscal year and thereafter.
Impact
The resolution calls on the state to fulfill its financial commitments outlined in the SFRA which mandates reimbursement for special education expenses exceeding certain amounts - $40,000 for public school students and $55,000 for private school students. However, recent fiscal appropriations have fallen short, with districts receiving only $420 million of the $585.4 million that was eligible for reimbursement based on previous fiscal year applications. This shortfall represents only 71.7% of what districts are entitled to, putting tremendous pressure on their budgets and capability to deliver necessary services to vulnerable students.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 25 urges the State of New Jersey to fully fund extraordinary special education aid for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and for subsequent years. This resolution emphasizes the importance of adequately supporting students with disabilities who require special educational services, in light of the obligations set forth by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As it stands, school districts incur significant financial burdens, particularly when the costs for students with excessive special education needs reach critical thresholds, defined under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 (SFRA).
Contention
Opponents of underfunding special education argue that failing to meet these financial commitments not only risks educational services for students with disabilities but also negatively impacts local school district budgets, leading to potential reductions in overall educational quality. The resolution emphasizes that providing full funding for extraordinary special education aid would not only facilitate better educational outcomes for these students but also contribute to stabilizing property taxes for residents, highlighting the broader fiscal implications of the funding issue.
Requires extraordinary special education aid to school districts for students with costs over $55,000 to be assessed and levied by county in which school district is located.
Requires extraordinary special education aid to school districts for students with costs over $55,000 to be assessed and levied by county in which school district is located.
Modifies cost thresholds for reimbursement of extraordinary special education costs; requires State to bear full cost of nonpublic school transportation for certain school districts.