Position Statements

On School District Budgeting Decisions

February 29, 2024

POSITION STATEMENT 

All children have the fundamental right to a public education, and it is imperative that funding be allocated in ways that protect this right for students with disabilities. FACT Oregon has serious concerns over proposed budget cuts in school districts across the state. We firmly oppose budgetary measures that disproportionately harm students with disabilities.   

The Issue 

School districts across the state facing budget shortfalls are proposing significant cuts as part of their efforts to balance budgets. These cuts may unfairly and unequally jeopardize resources critical to students with disabilities and undermine principles of equity and inclusivity. 

As districts prepare their budgets for the upcoming school year, they must preserve essential services for students with disabilities, including academic and behavior supports, assistive technology, therapies, and other related services as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s). Guaranteeing the availability of these services enables students to fully engage in their school communities and access their right to a quality education. Proposed budget cuts to these services are cause for alarm. 

Access to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, with specially designed instruction and related services, is a legal right under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Despite this mandate, Oregon has a long way to go to close academic achievement gaps for students with disabilities.  

According to the 2022-23 Oregon Statewide Report Card, students with disabilities consistently lag behind their peers over the course of their education. By 11th grade, only 15% are proficient in English Language Arts, 11% in science, and less than 5% in math. In comparison, 46% of all 11th graders are proficient in English Language Arts, 33% in science, and 20% in math. Academic underperformance, coupled with disproportionately high rates of disciplinary action and chronic absenteeism, yields graduation rates that are consistently 14 points below the state average. 

Our Position 

FACT Oregon strongly opposes cuts to school district budgets that disproportionately impact students with disabilities. Education funding should be allocated in a manner that guarantees students with disabilities access to a quality education. Budget decisions must not worsen existing inequities, create additional barriers to education for any student group, or force students and their families to compete for limited resources.  

Call to Action 

We urge school administrators, educators, families, students, and concerned members of the public to speak out against budget cuts that disproportionately impact students with disabilities. Here’s how you can get involved: 

• Attend school board and budget committee meetings. Advocate for policies that safeguard special education services as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  

• Reach out to state legislators to address Oregon’s school funding models, current special education funding caps, and transparency in the allocation and use of funds. 

We urge school districts to adopt budgets that prioritize narrowing achievement gaps and guaranteeing access to a quality education for students with disabilities. Here’s how: 

• Involve stakeholders, special education staff, and affected families in budgetary deliberations to ensure decisions are informed by those directly impacted. 

• Explore alternative revenue streams and cost-saving measures that do not compromise student support services such as academic and behavior supports, assistive technology, therapies, and other related services.  

Through collective action, we can protect the rights and futures of all students, including students with disabilities.  

About FACT Oregon’s Commitment to Education Equity 

FACT Oregon empowers families and youth to navigate and advocate for the supports and opportunities people with disabilities need to thrive at home, in school, and in community. Peer-delivered services are free for families and include a support line, trainings, resources, outreach, and advocacy. We are Oregon’s federally and state designated Parent Training and Information Center for Special Education. 

FACT Oregon is unwavering in its commitment to upholding the rights of students with disabilities across Oregon. We urge school district officials, policymakers, and the community to prioritize the needs of these students in budgetary decisions.