This only underscores the inherent failure of the formula to match funds with needs. There are major groups of students with special needs who were previously eligible but, due to the changes in the model's identification criteria are no longer eligible. Beyond this group, it doesn't take a financial expert to know that less money and more students means less service per student. Nor does there seem to be any connection between the funding model and the kinds of programs needed to address the needs of special education students across the province. That is not enough.
Students deserve more than a band-aid solution.
Instead, we see a need for a serious look at fixing this flawed model. We are prepared to continue to do so in an attempt to reach a suitable resolution to a substantial mismatch so that the frustrations of school board professionals, parents, the Minister's Advisory Committee on Special Education, trustees and numerous stakeholder groups in the education sector can be resolved. Boards need short-term relief to cope with growth and the increased demand on service. Boards need more flexibility to respond to local needs. Our students and their parents deserve more than we can provide today.