Wis: SPED pop "grown significantly"; "staff across the state quitting due to burnout"

Sept 16, 2026, WBAY: Green Bay schools support special education students, staff amid statewide shortage

District has more than 200 special education teachers serving over 3,000 students as state numbers grow

Nearly three weeks into the new school year, Wisconsin’s population of students requiring special education services has grown significantly. Some special education staff across the state are quitting due to burnout.

The Green Bay Area Public School District says it is taking special education seriously as the school year begins.

District serves more than 3,000 special education students

The state reports more than 127,000 K-12 students now rely on special education services, outpacing the paraprofessional workforce.

The Green Bay school district has more than 207 special education teachers working to help more than 3,000 students with special needs.

Budget constraints and behavioral challenges have worsened staff shortages. Speech services are declining, while Green Bay is seeing a 3% rise in students with autism and complex health needs.

District cites need for funding

Erika Berge, director of special education for the Green Bay Area Public Schools, said funding is a priority. . . .

The district said it hopes to receive more funding in the future.