Nebraska schools are keeping a close eye on a state budget proposal to increase funding for special education, a growing expense that has forced them to divert money away from other priorities.
Gov. Dave Heineman has proposed a $29.6 million increase in special education funding in his two-year budget, a 5 percent annual bump.
Gordon-Rushville Public Schools Superintendent Merrell Nelsen says his district spends $992,000 on special needs services out of its $8.8 million annual budget.
Nelsen says those costs have risen, but state aid has remained largely flat. Lawmakers approved a $10 million increase last year, but it followed three straight years of flat-lined funding.
Nebraska state government gives schools about 50 cents for every $1 they spend on special-education teachers, transportation and training.
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