Springfield – State Sen. Meg Laurent Kappel is working on a measure to bring equity to the funding of special education students by creating fair reimbursement rates for special education schools.
“I spent 15 years in the classroom as a special education teacher,” said Laurent Kappel (D-Shorewood). “We need to ensure that students receive a high-quality education in the least restrictive environment. This initiative will ensure equitable funding for all special needs students, regardless of placement. It will come true.”
Senate Bill 3606 would equalize the reimbursement rates public school districts receive from the Illinois State Board of Education for sending high-needs special education students to private and public special education day schools.
Loughran-Capel's action would allow public schools to receive reimbursement from ISBE for tuition fees for students with advanced special education needs that exceed the average cost for students not receiving special education services, regardless of where the student is sent. I am eligible to receive it.
“For more than a decade, the Illinois Alliance of Special Education Administrators has championed equity in the funding of special education placements,” said IAASE Executive Director Melissa Taylor. “Illinois needs a placement-neutral special education funding system, and Senate Bill 3606 is an important step toward that goal. I commend a student for his dedication to his education.”
Senate Bill 3606 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and was sent to the House for further consideration.
