Contact:

Representative Cindi Duchow

(608) 266-3007

Madison, WI – On Monday, the Joint Finance Committee approved a motion to increase funding for High Cost Special Education Aid, among other historic increases to public education.

In Wisconsin, high cost special education is funded with a combination of state and federal funds. A portion of non-administrative costs for disabled students whose educational needs require a significant investment are reimbursed to districts. Currently, districts are only reimbursed for 70 percent of non-administrative costs exceeding $30,000 per student.

“We need to ensure our districts are able to meet the unique educational needs of these kids,” said Rep. Duchow. “We can do that by making sure they are adequately reimbursed. Though my original motion requested that 100 percent of costs be reimbursed, I’m pleased to see that districts will now receive 20 percent more than they were previously receiving. I will continue to push for full reimbursement in the future.”

The motion was approved 12-4 on a party-line vote. The increase will first apply to payments for the 2017-18 school year.

###

Representative Duchow represents the 99th Assembly District which includes the communities of Chenequa, Delafield, Dousman, Hartland, Merton, Nashotah, Oconomowoc Lake, Ottawa, and Wales; and portions of Genesee, North Prairie, Oconomowoc, and Summit.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email