Olathe Schools Cut Special Ed, Families Feel Impact

0:00It's March 31st. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Kansas News Today, local news powered by AI. A late-the-public school is making history in a bad way, cutting special education positions for the first time next year, even though more kids need, those services. Officials blame a big funding gap, after shifting $44 million from the general fund just last year to keep things running. Superintendent Brent Yeager says, they'll hire way fewer teachers overall, and trim special ed staff by leaving spots empty and combining jobs. This comes as the district stays super tight on staffing, with special ed underfunding as the main driver pulling money from everywhere else. Kansas law says the state should cover 92% of special ed excess costs, but has been stuck way lower, like 75% last. And dropping towards 65% now, lawmakers point to tight budgets, while districts say declining enrollment leaves cash on the table. Families fill it too, with bigger classes and less support for every student, not just

1:03those with individualized plans. O'Layth built a rep for top-notch programs that draw families in, boosting demand but crushing local funds, neighbors like Blue Valley are shifting, 18 million their way too. Others keep climbing faster than aid, forcing districts to maintain basics over new ideas, so expect heavier workloads for special ed pros already. Short staffed, O'Laythian others lobby hard, but for now, these cuts hit as enrollment dips and needs rise.