Minnesota school districts struggle to fund special education

Special education is one of the most costly aspects struggling with funding across school districts in Minnesota.

Districts have increased spending by 26 percent over the last decade.

La Crescent-Hokah School District superintendent Kevin Cardille says they aren’t immune in taking losses.

“It is lacking,” Cardille said of funding. “I’ve been here for three years and I’ve noticed we are short. That extra amount comes out of our general fund.”

That money amounted to $1.15 million for the fiscal year 2016.

About 200 students are taking special education courses. Funding for those services have jumped sharply in recent years, and more funding from the state’s legislature has been tough to come by.

“We tend to be drawing in and have more and more special needs students,” Cardille said. “But, it’s stressful on our budget.

Cardille added that there are state requirements about what services need to be provided. The funding doesn’t match them.