Wake Co, NC: "Raising alarms over special education support"; numbers keep increasing
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Wake County school leaders say difficult budget decisions are looming as the district prepares its spending plan without a finalized state budget.
The uncertainty raised concerns Tuesday night during a school board meeting about potential impacts on special education services.
The Wake County Public Schools officials outlined early projections for the 2026–27 budget during the meeting, describing it as one of the most challenging budget cycles in recent memory.
“When costs go up and revenues remain flat, something has to be given up,” Chief Business Officer David Neter told board members.
District leaders pointed to a combination of rising costs, growing demand for specialized services and uncertainty around both state and federal funding.
The district is expected to request $25 million from Wake County to help close the gap, though officials cautioned that may not be enough.
Concerns over possible reductions to special education services drew emotional responses from parents and educators.
Susan Book, the parent of a student who receives one-on-one support, said those services have made a significant difference for her child.
“Right now, my son has a one-on-one who goes with him class to class and helps him regulate and understand his day,” Book said. “It’s a godsend.”
Educators echoed those concerns, noting that staffing levels are already stretched.
“Caseload is way too high,” said Anna Grant, a pre-kindergarten instructional assistant.
“We’ve been asking for more support … and we’re being told that we’re going to have less.”
School officials said the number of students requiring specialized services continues to rise, including more high-cost placements, while funding has not kept pace. . . .
Some board members criticized state leaders over funding levels.
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