KASB Supports National Effort to Fully Fund Special Education

For five decades, school districts across the nation have worked to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities while Congress has fallen short of its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). KASB is proud to partner with the national 40 by 40: Fulfill the IDEA Promise campaign, an effort focused on urging Congress to meet the original federal funding commitment for special education by 2040.

Passed in 1975, IDEA guarantees students with disabilities access to a free and appropriate public education. When the law was enacted, Congress committed to providing up to 40% of the excess cost of special education services. However, federal funding has consistently remained well below that level, leaving states and local school districts responsible for making up the difference.

That funding gap continues to have a significant impact on public schools. Because districts are required to provide special education services regardless of federal funding levels, local dollars are often redirected from other educational priorities to cover the shortfall.

“For 50 years, Congress has underfunded IDEA,” said Leah Fliter, KASB Assistant Executive Director of Advocacy and Governmental Relations. “Districts must provide special education services while absorbing the unfunded cost. In the 2024-25 school year, Kansas school boards spent $440 million statewide to backfill special education funding shortfalls, diverting resources from general education, class size reduction, instructional materials, transportation and mental health support. We call on Congress to fulfill the IDEA promise.”

The 40 by 40 campaign highlights what fully funding IDEA could mean for students, educators and communities. Increased federal support would help districts better meet the needs of students receiving special education services while reducing pressure on local budgets and taxpayers.

As a campaign partner, KASB is helping raise awareness about the long-standing gap between the federal commitment and actual funding levels. We also encourage board members, administrators and community members to learn more about the issue and the impact it has on local schools.

Kansas school boards understand firsthand the challenges of balancing budgets while ensuring every student receives the support and services needed to succeed. Fully funding IDEA would help districts direct more resources toward classroom instruction, student support services and other educational priorities that benefit all students.

Learn more about the 40 by 40: Fulfill the IDEA Promise campaign, access resources and see how you can support the effort by visiting the 40 by 40 campaign page.