Springfield – In an effort to bring equity to funding for special education students, state Sen. Meg Laurent Capel passed a bill in the Senate Education Committee that would create fair reimbursement rates for full-time special education schools.
“Since becoming a state senator, I have worked to level the playing field so that students can receive a high-quality education in the least restrictive environment,” said Laurent Kappel (D). , Shorewood) said. “We must ensure that all children, regardless of their zip code, receive the education they deserve.”
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.
Under Loughran-Capel's action, public schools are eligible to receive reimbursement from ISBE for tuition fees for students with special education needs that exceed the average cost for students not receiving special education services.
“Special education schools prioritize students by providing them with the resources and tools they need to thrive,” Laurent Capel said. “Some students have additional needs that increase costs for schools. This is an effort to achieve equitable funding for special needs students across the state.”
Senate Bill 3606 passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.
