S. Portland: SPED increasing in "need and severity"; 18% of students are SPED

Jan 25, 2018, Falmouth (ME) Forecaster: South Portland superintendent: Diversity will help schools meet challenges http://www.theforecaster.net/south-portland-superintendent-diversity-will-help-schools-meet-challenges/ …He said the district’s mission, serving 3,000 students in eight schools, is to work with the community to enrich the lives of all, which is the core of public education. … Special education Kunin said the number of students requiring special education has increased in both need and severity, with 18 percent of students qualifying. He said it’s a trend seen statewide, and in total, Maine is expected to spend $30 million on special education. Increases are driven by autism and multi-disability, which require additional teaching and medical staff to meet students’ needs. A rise in out-of-district placement is also a factor in the projected higher cost of special education. …