Special education funding.
This bill has a substantial impact on state laws regarding education funding, particularly for special education. It establishes a high-cost service allowance intended to provide additional funding based on the incidence of pupils who are severely disabled, including those with multiple disabilities. Additionally, it allows for preschool-aged children with exceptional needs to be counted in funding calculations at a rate three times that of other students, which is expected to recognize and support the unique needs of younger children who require special education services.
Assembly Bill No. 2291, introduced by Assembly Members Medina, Arambula, and O'Donnell, focuses on enhancing funding for special education in California. The bill amends several sections of the Education Code, specifically targeting the calculation of funding rates for special education local plan areas (SELPAs). A significant change is the increase in the percentile for equalization adjustments from the 90th to the 95th percentile, aimed at improving the funding rates for those plan areas that fall below this threshold, thereby ensuring that more SELPAs receive necessary financial support.
Some points of contention surrounding AB 2291 may stem from its financial implications for state budgets and the administrative burden it places on local educational agencies to adjust to new reporting and funding computation requirements. Critics may argue that the implementation of these changes could create disparities in how funds are allocated, depending on the ability of SELPAs to adapt to the new criteria for funding calculations. Furthermore, ensuring adequate reimbursement for any mandated costs aligns with existing legal obligations under the California Constitution, which is vital for the bill’s acceptance among fiscal conservatives.