Commission hears MSDE secured extra DORS funding for 2024; members request fiscal and CAP data

During the commission meeting Scott reported that MSDE had successfully obtained additional funds in the governor's FY24 budget cycle to increase the DORS grant and to satisfy the federal match requirement. "MSDE was able to get the additional funding into our budget...we got the money," Scott said, adding that MSDE is working on longer-term budget recommendations.

Commissioners sought clarity on who in the governor's office advocated for the funding. Scott said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) was involved and MSDE had to make the case for the additional funds; he declined to describe internal budget negotiations in detail.

Members flagged a high level of staff turnover and transition in the administration, and asked how to ensure improvements are sustained beyond the current superintendent's tenure. One commissioner said MSDE had made progress in raising pay and increasing counselor numbers but stressed that structural changes should preserve improvements after leadership changes.

Meghan asked the commission to review the client assistance program (CAP), which advises clients about rights and appeals. She noted that several states (Maine, Wisconsin, South Carolina) moved CAPs within the last five years and that some CAPs have been moved from VR agencies to independent nonprofits or protection-and-advocacy organizations. Commissioners requested metrics comparing appeals and hearings before and after such moves.

Scott said he is working with the National Technical Assistance Center to assemble fiscal data and reach out to state directors in jurisdictions that moved VR programs or CAPs. Members asked staff to gather cost estimates, implementation risks and the fiscal implications of shifting DORS to other departments or creating a separate governing board.

The meeting concluded with a request that commissioners submit written comments on the interim report and that the state superintendent be invited to address the commission at a future meeting. No budgetary action or policy change was enacted at the meeting.