Statler focused on needs of school systems in special education funding

May 25, 2026 - 20:36

The chair of the House Education Committee says the state's approach to special education funding must focus on what school systems actually require, not just on arbitrary budget numbers. Representative Statler stated that the real need for additional special education funding is around $170 million.

Statler emphasized that current funding models often fall short of covering the true costs of services for students with disabilities. School districts have been struggling to pay for specialized staff, therapy services, and classroom accommodations. Many have had to pull money from other areas just to meet federal and state mandates.

The $170 million figure represents what districts say they need to adequately serve their special education populations. Statler argued that lawmakers should treat this as a baseline requirement rather than a starting point for negotiations. He noted that underfunding special education forces schools to make difficult choices that can affect all students.

The committee chair also pointed out that special education costs have been rising faster than general education funding. Factors include increasing numbers of students with complex needs, higher costs for trained personnel, and inflation for specialized equipment and materials.

Statler said he plans to work with both party leaders and school administrators to develop a funding formula that responds to actual district needs. He stressed that the goal is not just to spend more money, but to spend it in ways that directly improve outcomes for students with disabilities. The committee expects to hold hearings on the issue in the coming weeks.