How are special education programs funded?
All public schools are obligated to provide eligible students with a “free and appropriate” education, i.e., an education appropriate to their academic, emotional, behavioral, and physical needs.
This must be accomplished, in the case of children identified with special needs, in the least restrictive environment possible. The least restrictive environment means that these children are required to be educated with the greatest access to the general curriculum. The educational programs that are designed based upon consultation with parents, teachers and other special education professionals to deliver this “appropriate” education are included in what is commonly referred to as “mandated services.”
The River Forest public schools fund these programs from three different sources; by tapping into funds from state and federal allocations for special education and then by closing the remaining balance with funds from River Forest Public School revenues. In 2005, all mandated services, which include programs and obligations in addition to special education, represented $4.2 million of budgeted expenditures. In that same time, $1.5 million in budgeted receipts from state and federal allocations were received to offset all mandated services.
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Please let us know what additional information concerning District 90 programs or fiscal challenges we can provide by completing the form below. The most common and appropriate questions will be included on this page in regular, frequent updates. Or, if you prefer, you can telephone the Committee to Preserve River Forest Schools hotline at (708) 488-1647.