Over the summer, we will work with the news media, churches, social service organizations, recreation centers, libraries and others to make sure parents know about the new rule. Now I'm going to talk with you about DCPS FY99 budget. I recognize that you also may have questions about the FY98 deficit, but since my time is limited I would like to focus on FY99. A detailed explanation of the steps we are taking to close the FY98 deficit is attached to my statement. The majority of the increase is required to fund either increases in the scope of services DCPS must provide or court-mandated or otherwise legally required budget increases.
Special education is our largest budget driver.
The budget for special education was substantially increased to cover the growing costs of private school tuition, related service payments to private schools, and transportation costs resulting from the Mills Decree and orders of the Special Master in the Petties case. DCPS has undertaken a major effort to reform our special education program. We have entered into a comprehensive compliance agreement with the Department of Education, and we are restructuring our infrastructure to support more timely assessment and placement of students. We will also focus on expanding special education programs within the district. However, we also believe that legislative relief is needed to extend the timeframe for assessing and placing children in special education under the Mills Decree.