SPONSOR:

Rep. Hensley & Sen. Poore

Reps. Briggs King, Collins, Dukes, Hudson, Kenton, Osienski, Outten, D. Short, Spiegelman, Yearick; Sens. Delcollo, Lavelle

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 34

ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO INVESTIGATE THE COST OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO COST EFFICIENCY.

WHEREAS, students with disabilities in Delaware are eligible for specialized services and educational supports to ensure that they have access to and make meaningful progress in the general education curriculum; and

WHEREAS, district and charter schools design special education and related services to meet the unique needs of each student; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is subject to the regulations and guidelines set forth by the federal Individuals with Disabilities (IDEA) of 2004; and

WHEREAS, IDEA states that district and charter schools are obligated to ensure that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE); and

WHEREAS, for the 2016–2017 school year, there were 20,742 students eligible to receive special education and related services in Delaware schools; and

WHEREAS, students eligible for special education represent approximately 14% of the statewide school population; and

WHEREAS, since 2012, the number of special education units has increased at a faster rate than traditional units; and

WHEREAS, special education represents a growing financial burden on school districts as the need for services increases.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 149th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the Task Force be created to study and make findings and recommendations regarding the cost of special education in the state of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Task Force be composed of the following members:

A member of the Delaware House Majority Caucus, appointed by the Speaker of the House.

A member of the Delaware House Minority Caucus, appointed by the House Minority Leader.

A member of the Senate Majority Caucus, appointed by the President Pro Tempore.

A member of the Senate Minority Caucus, appointed by the Senate Minority Leader.

One representative of the Delaware Department of Education, appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Education.

One superintendent, appointed by the President of the Chief School Officers Association.

One   charter school leader, appointed by the Delaware Charter Schools Network.

One representative of the Delaware State Education Association, appointed by the President of the Delaware State Education Association.

One representative of the Governor’s Office, appointed by the Governor.

One representative of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens, appointed by the Council Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens.

One parent or guardian of a public school student receiving special education services, appointed by the Delaware Parent Teacher Association.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Task Force shall:

Define the reasons behind the dramatic recent rise in special education units and funding;

Study issues related to the funding of special education programs for district and charters schools;

Recommend strategies to reduce the costs associated with special education and related services;

Study and recommend standards and oversight to ensure that programs and services are delivered in a cost efficient manner.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the staff support for the Task Force shall be provided by the Delaware Department of Education.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall select a chairperson from among its members.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force report its findings and recommendations to the members of the Delaware General Assembly by no later than April 1, 2018.

SYNOPSIS

This concurrent resolution establishes a Task Force to investigate the cost of special education and make recommendations related to cost efficiency.