To the editor,

I’m writing to express my deep concern regarding the current state of special education funding in Prescott schools and the State of Wisconsin. I am a member of this community and parent to six children who have attended Prescott schools since 1995. One of my children currently receives special education services. I believe it’s crucial that we prioritize the adequate funding of special education programs. This funding ensures that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and personally. I believe we can all agree as a community that all children deserve the opportunity to thrive.

Approximately $1.8 million of our total district budget is allocated to special education and related services. This high cross subsidy is a direct result of the state's chronic failure to adequately fund both special education and general education initiatives. This not only places a significant strain on our district's financial resources but also jeopardizes the quality of education provided to all students, not just those with identified special needs. Increasing special education funding would benefit all students by preventing the chronic diversion of regular education funds.

It’s crucial to understand the implications of potential budget cuts on special education programs. Special education services are federally mandated for students that meet entrance criteria. This means that students currently receiving special education services, bound by an Individualized Education Plan, must continue to receive those services, regardless of funding or staffing constraints. Should the district be forced to make dramatic cuts to people and programs, it would undoubtedly pit essential programs within the district against one another.

Furthermore, school districts are bound by the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) law which mandates that we maintain our spending per pupil in special education from year to year. This is a protection to prevent a "slash and burn" approach to program funding for special education, further placing burden on local taxpayers to continue funding these required programs. This underscores the critical need for sustainable and adequate funding to public schools like Prescott via local and state support.

I urge our community members to recognize the importance of special education funding and to actively participate in the upcoming vote on April 2. We must educate ourselves about how our schools are funded and advocate for necessary changes to ensure that our district receives the support it needs.

Let’s stand together in support of special education and school funding. Our collective efforts can make a significant difference, ensuring that every student receives the education and support they deserve.

Dayna Strand

Prescott