Press Release: Oregon Lawmakers Consider Overhauling Special Education Funding
Oregon lawmakers recently convened for a crucial discussion focused on the urgent need to reform the state’s education funding formula, particularly for students with disabilities. Experts from the American Institutes for Research presented their findings, revealing that Oregon’s current funding cap for special education is the lowest in the nation, leaving many schools struggling to support their students adequately.
Currently, the state allocates approximately $696 million for special education, a 25% increase from 2018-19. However, due to inflation, the purchasing power of these funds has diminished significantly. Oregon’s school districts have spent over $1 billion in total to serve students with disabilities in the 2022-2023 academic year, forcing them to supplement funds by diverting resources from other priorities.
Under Oregon’s existing funding model, only 11% of students with disabilities qualify for additional state funding, averaging $9,000 per student. With about 15% of students in average districts identified as needing extra support, the discrepancy has led to over 90% of districts applying for additional funding waivers. These waivers often yield inadequate financial support, highlighting the shortcomings of the funding structure.
Advocates, including Jake Cornett from Disability Rights Oregon, stress the necessity of eliminating the funding cap and increasing monetary allocations tied to measurable outcomes. High-cost disabilities, such as autism and hearing impairments, incur annual education costs far exceeding the current funding provisions, prompting concern among education officials.
Inflation and stagnant appropriations have exacerbated these challenges. Lawmakers are considering House Bill 2953, sponsored by Rep. Courtney Neron, which aims to dismantle the funding cap and pave the way for more strategic fiscal strategies in special education. As discussions continue, the pressing call for a more equitable funding model intensifies.
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