Why Special Ed Costs Are Catching Up with Schools

Public schools like Marblehead and Gloucester are facing a major challenge: the cost of special education is skyrocketing. This year, Marblehead spent $4. 4 million on special education outside their district, which is almost three times more than a decade ago. Gloucester’s costs have also shot up by over 20%, reaching $6. 5 million. Teachers in these districts are on strike, hoping for a pay raise. But schools are feeling the pinch, with inflation, lower state aid, and the loss of pandemic funds putting pressure on their budgets. Special education costs alone are over $1 billion across Massachusetts. Schools are struggling to accommodate students with disabilities, leading to many being sent to specialized schools. These costs have increased much faster than inflation, reaching around $90, 000 per year for day placements and $260, 000 for residential ones.

Some officials blame this on more students having complex disabilities, but experts argue schools could have invested more in their own special ed programs. It's not fair to use special education costs as an excuse for not increasing teacher pay. Victoria Crisp, a special education advocate, suggests districts could have better managed their special education services. It's crucial to remember that all students deserve a quality education, regardless of their needs. The state can help by fully funding programs that reimburse districts for special education costs. Until then, schools will continue to feel the strain.

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