4,050 students with disabilities dropped out of high school this year. That is 4,050 students with disabilities who clearly did not get the support needed to successfully graduate from high school. A big part of that is the lack of realistic funding formulas for these students. Students with disabilities deserve a sound basic education. That is what our state constitution says and that is what families should be demanding.
This week June Atkinson, State Superintendent of Public Schools presented to the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Education the supplemental budget requests. Attached to this funding proposal was a letter to Governor Easley in which she states that this budget request includes “stronger support for children with disabilities and for the academically and intellectually gifted”.
Great start until you actually read the request. To reach funding at 230% of regular ADM per student with a disability the state would have to invest over $100 million. DPI and the State Board of Education acknowledged this and then requested an appropriation of $40,000,000. This is a less than 1/3 of the required investment to truly serve these students.
After presenting the appropriation request, June Atkinson was asked to prioritize the funding needs. First up, teachers raises. So, where did funding an appropriate, sound basic education for students with disabilities rank? Fourth (4) tied with funding for gifted students. So much for the stronger support for children with disabilities.
Read More:
Steve Jackson, NC Justice Center, shares his views on this issue at the Progressive Pulse. Check it out.
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