Wake County Schools Plan $18M Cut, 130 Teacher Layoffs

0:00This is Cory with the story, keeping Durham in the know you're listening to Durham News today. Wake County Schools plan to slash $18 million and 130 teaching positions from the special education budget next year. That's roughly 9% of their special ed teaching staff, officials say they'll notify affected employees by March 25. The cuts focus on cross-categorical resource teachers who assist special needs students in regular classrooms. Self-contained programs and specialized classes remain untouched. District leaders insist staffing ratios will stay within state guidelines even if teachers handle more students. Educators and parents voice strong opposition at a recent school board meeting. The local teachers association urged leaders to boost special ed funding rather than cut it. They called on the board to push county officials harder for resources. Many worry these changes will harm the 22,000 special education students served by the district. Parents and staff predict worse outcomes for vulnerable kids, more lawsuits like the

1:02$1.3 million in settlements last year, and fading trust in the system. Superintendent defended the plan, noting a request for just $25 million more from county commissioners this year. That's less than recent averages due to slower property tax growth. He stressed balancing needs with what taxpayers can support. The daily news now is made possible with support from our sponsor. It is cooler than cool, a pillow that plays your sound, S-O-L-I-SOLYPILO.com.