Wis. seeing increased need for SPED services; state funding not enough
- The end of childhood
- 16 hours ago
- 1 min read
Dec 9, 2025, WEAU TV, Eau Claire, WI: Sen. Smith introduces bill to increase special education reimbursement rate
The state of Wisconsin is seeing an increased need for special education services, but current reimbursement rates are not meeting that.
The latest biennial budget passed with a 45% reimbursement rate for special education in public schools.
However, in November, the Department of Public Instruction informed schools that rate would go down to 35%. That’s because the cost of services was estimated to increase by 4% but they actually increased by 9%.
State Senator Jeff Smith introduced a bill that would guarantee public schools receive that 45% reimbursement rate.
“We’re saying in this bill that we need to fund some sufficient, meaning you to fund it 45% no matter the cost is and the cost has gone up,” said Smith.
State Senator Smith also says right now, voucher schools receive a 90% reimbursement for special education services, however, they are not mandated to provide them like public schools are.
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