Bite-Sized Politics: Candidates on Special Education

THE ISSUE:

The rising costs of special education and their impact are among the most contentious issues in public education.

Some argue that these escalating costs (funded by taxpayers' dollars, federal and state grants) drain resources away from regular education students, and result in stagnant educational achievement. Others claim that providing a public education to special needs students is an ethical and legal responsibility, as per federal law.

In 1975, the federal government enacted the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA), which requires that all states provide a "free appropriate public education" to students with disabilities.

Since the implementation of federal and subsequent state laws, the percentage of students identified as requiring special education—and the consequential costs—have risen sharply. In Darien, costs have increased by 16 percent each year over the past three fiscal years, cutting deep into the Board of Education’s budget.

CANDIDATES ON ESCALATING COSTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION:

Callie Sullivan (D)

I am the only candidate who has ever actually lobbied the Education Committee at the State level for greater funding for our town’s needs. We cannot control what the federal government demands we do for our special education students, nor should we; but we must take an active role in bringing more monies back to Darien. I will also support the Board of Education in their efforts.

Chris Noe (I)

ADAAA 2008, Section 504 is federal law. Westport had the best program 10 years ago.  Parents with children requiring special needs moved to Westport. It is a tough issue to budget. If you make the best programs in the state your enrollment will double and quality drops. It is federal law to educate children with special needs.

Dave Campbell (R)

An excellent education, for all children, is one of the main reasons families choose to live in Darien. Identification of student needs has improved in recent years, and there is a cost associated with helping those individual children. I trust that the Board of Education, like the Board of Selectmen, will review their budget rigorously and look for ways to explore savings while still delivering the high quality services that residents demand.

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