Committee backs recommendation to study removing special education from funding matrix

The joint Education Committee approved a formal recommendation that the next General Assembly consider removing special-education funding from the foundation matrix and instead pursue a weighted categorical funding model after further study.

Representative Robson Godfrey moved that the committee recommend the 94th General Assembly examine the 2020 APA recommendation to shift special-education funding into a weighted categorical approach that reflects disability severity and actual students served. The motion called for collaboration with key stakeholders and review of other states' models. The motion was seconded and adopted by the committee; the recommendation will be included in the committee's final adequacy report for public comment and transmitted to legislative leadership.

During discussion several members praised the idea as a way to address a reported mismatch between the number and cost of students with disabilities and the flat special-education FTEs currently in the matrix. Representative Lee Johnson, who earlier urged pulling special education from the matrix and creating a categorical fund, reiterated his support. Committee members and Department staff noted that such a change would require legislative action in the next session and likely detailed implementation work (definitions, eligibility, catastrophic backstops) before enactment.

What happens next: The committee's recommendation will be filed in the final adequacy report; staff indicated that detailed policy design and fiscal modeling would be needed and could be developed with stakeholder input prior to any bill drafting.