Source: http://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/16/101
Timestamp: 2017-10-19 14:39:45
Document Index: 719896581

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 2941', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 22', '§ 29', '§ 195', '§ 2942', '§ 1400', '§ 1401', '§ 1401', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 22', '§ 4', '§ 196', '§ 78', '§ 2943', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 22', '§ 13', '§ 197', '§ 2945', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 10', '§ 16', '§ 4', '§ 14', '§ 199', '§ 2946', '§ 11', '§ 2947', '§ 11', '§ 2948', '§ 120', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 13', '§ 6', '§ 22', '§ 170', '§ 7', '§ 14', '§ 200', '§ 1', '§ 2949', '§ 22', '§ 1', '§ 2950', '§ 4302', '§ 4302', '§ 11', '§ 28', '§ 11', '§ 11', '§ 23', '§ 16', '§ 201', '§ 1', '§ 2951', '§ 11', '§ 2952', '§ 294', '§ 2953', '§ 11', '§ 2954', '§ 11', '§ 2955', '§ 1612', '§ 2', '§ 2956', '§ 4', '§ 11', '§ 22', '§ 1412', '§ 2958', '§ 5', '§ 22', '§ 202', '§ 1', '§ 2959', '§ 6', '§ 22', '§ 203', '§ 2959', '§ 6', '§ 22', '§ 203', '§ 1', '§ 2959', '§ 5', '§ 302', '§ 2961', '§ 7', '§ 15', '§ 13', '§ 30', '§ 6', '§ 2961', '§ 2961', '§ 30', '§ 2962', '§ 7', '§ 6', '§ 18', '§ 14', '§ 22', '§ 30', '§ 13', '§ 7', '§ 205', '§ 2962', '§ 2963', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 19', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 15', '§ 30', '§ 114', '§ 13', '§ 14', '§ 8', '§ 1', '§ 2963', '§ 87', '§ 2', '§ 22', '§ 206', '§ 2963', '§ 87', '§ 2', '§ 22', '§ 206', '§ 1', '§ 2964', '§ 7', '§ 8', '§ 20', '§ 16', '§ 207', '§ 2964', '§ 7', '§ 8', '§ 20', '§ 16', '§ 207', '§ 1', '§ 2965', '§ 7', '§ 22', '§ 208', '§ 2965', '§ 7', '§ 22', '§ 208', '§ 1', '§ 2966', '§ 30', '§ 2967', '§ 7', '§ 27', '§ 17', '§ 30', '§ 88', '§ 15', '§ 9', '§ 5', '§ 209', '§ 79', '§ 31', '§ 25', '§ 1', '§ 2968', '§ 7', '§ 21', '§ 18', '§ 210', '§ 2968', '§ 2970', '§ 2972', '§ 30', '§ 2973', '§ 28', '§ 11', '§ 212', '§ 26', '§ 2974', '§ 31', '§ 115', '§ 6', '§ 10', '§ 213', '§ 14', '§ 2974', '§ 31', '§ 115', '§ 6', '§ 10', '§ 213', '§ 14', '§ 1', '§ 2975', '§ 13', '§ 214', '§ 2975', '§ 13', '§ 214', '§ 1']

§ 2941. Policy and purpose
It is the policy of the State to ensure equal educational opportunities for all children in Vermont. This means that children with disabilities are entitled to receive a free appropriate public education. It is further the policy of the State to pay 60 percent of the statewide costs expended by public education for children with disabilities. The purpose of this chapter is to enable the Agency to ensure the provision of the special educational facilities and instruction necessary to meet the needs of children with disabilities. (Amended 1965, No. 152, § 1; 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 1997, No. 60, § 29a, eff. July 1, 1998; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 195, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
§ 2942. Definitions
(1) "Child with a disability" means any child in Vermont eligible under State regulations to receive special education.
(3) "Essential early education" means the education of children with disabilities prior to legal school age for the early acquisition of fundamental skills.
(4) "Federal law" means the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400-1485, and its implementing regulations, as amended from time to time.
(5) "Residential placement" means the placement of an eligible child, as part of an individualized education program, in a 24-hour residential facility within or outside Vermont that provides educational services consistent with the child's program.
(6) "Individualized education program" means a program established for an eligible child pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 1401(19) and the implementing federal and State regulations.
(7) "Unilateral placement" means a placement of a child eligible for special education by a person or persons having legal custody of the child in an educational placement other than one recommended by the child's duly constituted individualized education program team as defined in 20 U.S.C. § 1401(19). (Amended 1965, No. 152, § 2; 1971, No. 207 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1989, No. 107, § 1; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 1999, No. 117 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 196, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 78.)
§ 2943. Secretary of Education for children with disabilities; powers
The Secretary of Education, by virtue of the office, shall be Secretary of Education for children with disabilities and shall superintend all matters relating to the essential early education and special education of children with disabilities. In addition, the Secretary, in coordination with the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living, and the Department for Children and Families, shall ensure that appropriate educational services are provided to children and adolescents with a severe emotional disturbance in accordance with the provisions of 33 V.S.A. chapter 43 and may accept gifts, grants, or other donations to carry out the purpose of this chapter. (Amended 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1987, No. 264 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 1989, No. 187 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2011, No. 58, § 13, eff. May 31, 2011; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 197, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
§ 2945. Advisory Council on Special Education
(a) There is created an Advisory Council on Special Education that shall consist of 19 members. All members of the Council shall serve for a term of three years or until their successors are appointed. Terms shall begin on April 1 of the year of appointment. A majority of the members shall be either individuals with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities.
(1) Seventeen of the members shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary. Among the gubernatorial appointees shall be:
(B) representatives of State agencies involved in the financing or delivery of related services to children with disabilities;
(C) a representative of independent schools;
(D) at least one representative of a vocational, community, or business organization concerned with the provision of transition services to children with disabilities;
(E) a representative from the state juvenile and adult corrections agency;
(F) individuals with disabilities;
(G) parents of children with disabilities, provided the child shall be younger than 26 years old at the time his or her parent is appointed to the Council;
(H) state and local education officials, including officials who carry out activities under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act;
(I) a representative of higher education who prepares special education and related services personnel;
(J) a representative from the state child welfare department responsible for foster care;
(K) special education administrators; and
(L) two at-large members.
(2) In addition, two members of the General Assembly shall be appointed, one from the House of Representatives and one from the Senate. The Speaker shall appoint the House member and the Committee on Committees shall appoint the Senate member.
(b) The Council shall elect its own chair from among its membership. The Council shall meet annually at the call of the chair, and other meetings may be called by the chair at such times and places as he or she may determine to be necessary.
(c) The members of the Council who are employees of the State shall receive no additional compensation for their services, but actual and necessary expenses shall be allowed State employees, and shall be charged to their departments or institutions. The members of the Council who are not employees of the State shall receive a per diem compensation of $30.00 per day for each day of official business and reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses at the rate allowed State employees.
(1) assume all responsibilities required of the State advisory panel by federal law;
(2) review periodically the rules, regulations, standards, and guidelines pertaining to special education and recommend to the State Board any changes it finds necessary;
(3) comment on any new or revised rules, regulations, standards, and guidelines proposed for issuance; and
(4) advise the State Board in the development of any State plan for provision of special education. (Amended 1961, No. 36, eff. March 24, 1961; 1967, No. 73, § 2; 1971, No. 207 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1977, No. 167 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. March 31, 1978; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 10, 22; 2003, No. 36, § 16; 2011, No. 58, § 4, eff. May 31, 2011; 2011, No. 129 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. May 11, 2012; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 199, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
§§ 2946Repealed. 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 11(4).
§ 2947. Repealed. 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 11(5).
§ 2948. State aid
(a) For the payment of general State aid, children with disabilities shall be counted in the same manner as children who do not have disabilities.
Subsection (c) effective until July 1, 2017; see also subsection (c) effective July 1, 2017 set out below.
(c) Each school district shall receive an essential early education grant each school year. Grants shall be distributed according to the estimated number of children from three through five years of age. The State Board by rule shall encourage coordination of services and may set other terms of the grant. Each district shall be responsible for the remainder of the costs of providing necessary services under section 2956 of this title. Annually, for each following fiscal year, the essential early education grant shall be increased by the most recent cumulative price index, as of November 15, for State and local government purchases of goods and services from fiscal year 2002 through that following fiscal year, as provided through the State's participation in the New England Economic Project.
Subsection (c) effective July 1, 2017; see also subsection (c) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
(c) Each supervisory union shall receive an essential early education grant each school year. Grants shall be distributed according to the estimated number of children from three through five years of age. The State Board by rule shall encourage coordination of services and may set other terms of the grant. Each supervisory union shall be responsible for the remainder of the costs of providing necessary services under section 2956 of this title. Annually, for each following fiscal year, the essential early education grant shall be increased by the most recent cumulative price index, as of November 15, for State and local government purchases of goods and services from fiscal year 2002 through that following fiscal year, as provided through the State's participation in the New England Economic Project.
(f) If a student is being provided education or special education or both in a school operated by the Department of Corrections, the Department of Corrections shall serve the student as if the Department were the school district of residence of the student.
Subsection (g) effective until July 1, 2017; see also subsection (g) effective July 1, 2017 set out below.
(g) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a child with a disability who is residing in a State school, hospital, or community residential facility or in a State-approved private residential facility shall be provided special education in accordance with this chapter by the school district in which the facility is located; provided, however, that this special education may be directly provided by the facility in which the child resides when the child's individualized education program and treatment plans indicate that the facility is the most appropriate educational placement for the child. Programs of special education provided by a facility described in this subsection shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary.
Subsection (g) effective July 1, 2017; see also subsection (g) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
(g) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a child with a disability who is residing in a State school, hospital, or community residential facility or in a State-approved private residential facility shall be provided special education in accordance with this chapter by the supervisory union in which the facility is located; provided, however, that this special education may be directly provided by the facility in which the child resides when the child's individualized education program and treatment plans indicate that the facility is the most appropriate educational placement for the child. Programs of special education provided by a facility described in this subsection shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary.
(h)-(j) [Repealed.]
(k) For the costs of students in the custody of the Department of Corrections, the Secretary of Education shall pay for the costs of special education in accordance with the provisions of 28 V.S.A. § 120.
( l ) [Repealed.]
Subsection (m) effective until July 1, 2017; see also subsection (m) effective July 1, 2017 set out below.
(m) All other State aid to school districts and supervisory unions shall be set forth in subchapter 2 of this chapter.
Subsection (m) effective July 1, 2017; see also subsection (m) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
(m) All other State aid to supervisory unions shall be set forth in subchapter 2 of this chapter.
Subsection (n) effective until July 1, 2017; see also subsection (n) effective July 1, 2017 set out below.
(n) If a student is being provided education or special education, or both in a school operated by the Department for Children and Families, the funding and provision of services shall be the responsibility of the Department for Children and Families and special education procedural responsibility shall be the responsibility of the district of residence of the student's parent, parents, or guardian.
Subsection (n) effective July 1, 2017; see also subsection (n) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
(n) If a student is being provided education or special education, or both in a school operated by the Department for Children and Families, the funding and provision of services shall be the responsibility of the Department for Children and Families and special education procedural responsibility shall be the responsibility of the supervisory union for the school district of residence of the student's parent, parents, or guardian. (Amended 1961, No. 83; 1969, No. 172 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 1971, No. 207 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1977, No. 194 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5; 1981, No. 170 (Adj. Sess.), § 6a, eff. April 19, 1982; 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 5, 11(6); 1989, No. 107, §§ 2, 3, 12; 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. July 1, 1991; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. July 1, 1997; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 22, 30(a)(5), (c); 2001, No. 63, § 170c; 2005, No. 182 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2011, No. 58, §§ 14, 15, eff. May 31, 2011; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 200, 302, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
§ 2949. Reciprocal agreements with other states
The State Board of Education, with the approval of the Attorney General, is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with the boards of education in other states to share in the expense of securing the services of specialists or persons skilled in the education of children with disabilities. (Amended 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 2950. State-placed students
Subsection (a) effective until July 1, 2017; see also subsection (a) effective July 1, 2017 set out below.
(a) School district reimbursement. The school district responsible for educating a State-placed student under section 1075 of this title may claim and the Secretary shall reimburse 100 percent of all special education costs for the student, including costs for mainstream services. As a condition of receiving this reimbursement, the district shall provide documentation in support of its claim, sufficient to enable the Secretary to determine whether to recommend appropriate cost-saving alternatives. The Secretary may approve any costs incurred in educating a State-placed student who is not eligible for special education that are incurred due to the special needs of the student, and, if approved, the Secretary shall pay those costs. When a State agency places and registers a student in a new district, the district may request and the Agency of Education, the agency that placed the student, or both, shall provide prompt consultative and technical assistance to the receiving district.
Subsection (a) effective July 1, 2017; see also subsection (a) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
(a) Supervisory union reimbursement. The supervisory union in which there is a school district responsible for educating a State-placed student under section 1075 of this title may claim and the Secretary shall reimburse 100 percent of all special education costs for the student, including costs for mainstream services. As a condition of receiving this reimbursement, the supervisory union shall provide documentation in support of its claim, sufficient to enable the Secretary to determine whether to recommend appropriate cost-saving alternatives. The Secretary may approve any costs incurred in educating a State-placed student who is not eligible for special education that are incurred due to the special needs of the student, and, if approved, the Secretary shall pay those costs. When a State agency places and registers a student in a new district, the district and the supervisory union of which it is a member may request and the Agency of Education or the agency that placed the student, or both, shall provide prompt consultative and technical assistance to the receiving district and the supervisory union.
(1) For a student in the care and custody of the Commissioner for Children and Families who is placed in a 24-hour residential facility within or outside Vermont, the Secretary of Education shall pay the education costs, and the Commissioner for Children and Families shall arrange for the payment of the remainder of the costs. However, if the State interagency team, as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 4302, finds such placement inappropriate for the student's education needs, then the Secretary of Education shall pay none of the education costs of the placement and the Commissioner for Children and Families shall arrange for the payment of the full cost of the placement.
(2) For a student who is placed in a 24-hour residential facility within or outside Vermont by a Vermont licensed child placement agency, a designated community mental health agency, any other agency as defined by the Secretary of Education, or a Vermont State agency or department other than the Department of Corrections or the Department for Children and Families, the Secretary of Education shall pay the education costs and the agency or department in whose care the student is placed shall arrange for the payment of the remainder of the costs. However, if the State interagency team, as defined in 33 V.S.A. § 4302, finds such placement inappropriate for the student's education needs, then the Secretary shall pay none of the education costs of the placement and the agency or department in whose care the student is placed shall arrange for payment of the full cost of the placement. This subdivision does not apply to a student for whom a residential placement is:
(A) specified in the student's individualized education program; and
(c) Out-of-state placement. For a State-placed student who is placed outside Vermont and who is attending a public school outside Vermont, the Secretary of Education shall pay the education costs for the student. (Added 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 11; amended 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 28, eff. July 1, 1997; 1997, No. 60, § 11, eff. June 26, 1997; 2001, No. 8, § 11; 2007, No. 82, § 23, eff. July 1, 2008; 2011, No. 58, § 16, eff. May 31, 2011; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 201, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
§ 2951. Repealed. 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 11(7).
§ 2952. Repealed. 2003, No. 122 (Adj. Sess.), § 294w(4).
§ 2953. Repealed. 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 11(8).
§ 2954. Repealed. 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 11(9).
§ 2955. Confidential information
Nothing in 12 V.S.A. § 1612(a) shall apply to this chapter. (Added 1981, No. 221 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 2956. Essential early education
After June 30, 1991, all eligible children with disabilities three through five years of age shall have access to appropriate essential early education services. (Added 1987, No. 68, § 4; amended 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 11; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22.)
Subsection (e) effective until July 1, 2017; see also subsection (e) effective July 1, 2017 set out below.
(e) Except as provided in 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10)(C) or unless a court or hearing officer determines otherwise, where a unilateral placement has been made without the school district of residence being offered a reasonable opportunity to evaluate the child and to develop an individualized education program, reimbursement may not be sought for any costs incurred before the school district is offered such an opportunity.
Subsection (e) effective July 1, 2017; see also subsection (e) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
§ 2958. Residential Placement Review Team; residential placements
(a) A school district shall notify the parents and the Secretary when it believes residential placement is a possible option for inclusion in a child's individualized education program.
Subsection (b) effective until July 1, 2017; see also subsection (b) effective July 1, 2017 set out below.
(b) The Secretary may establish from within the Agency a Residential Placement Review Team. At the discretion of the Secretary, other persons not employed by the Agency may be appointed to serve on the Team. The Team shall make every effort to assist school districts and parents in understanding the range of educational options available as early as possible in the planning process for the child. The Team shall:
(1) advise school districts on alternatives to residential placement;
(2) review each individualized education program calling for residential placement of a student to consider whether the student can be educated in a less restrictive environment;
(3) assist school districts in locating cost-effective and appropriate residential facilities where necessary;
(4) request a new individualized education program where it believes that appropriate alternatives to residential placement are available; and
(5) offer mediation as a means of resolving disputes relating to the need for residential placement or the particular residential facility recommended for a child with a disability.
Subsection (b) effective July 1, 2017; see also subsection (b) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
(b) The Secretary may establish from within the Agency a Residential Placement Review Team. At the discretion of the Secretary, other persons not employed by the Agency may be appointed to serve on the Team. The Team shall make every effort to assist supervisory unions and parents in understanding the range of educational options available as early as possible in the planning process for the child. The Team shall:
(1) advise supervisory unions on alternatives to residential placement;
(3) assist supervisory unions in locating cost-effective and appropriate residential facilities where necessary;
(c) The State Board shall by rule establish policies and procedures for the operations of the Residential Placement Review Team. The rules shall be consistent with federal law and, at minimum, shall include the following:
Subdivision (c)(1) effective until July 1, 2017; see also subdivision (c)(1) effective July 1, 2017 set out below.
(1) provision for the Secretary to initiate a due process proceeding to challenge the need for residential placement where the team believes that a less restrictive educational placement is both available and appropriate for the child with a disability, and to reimburse the school district and the parents or guardian of the child for reasonable costs and attorney's fees in the event the Secretary does not prevail;
Subdivision (c)(1) effective July 1, 2017; see also subdivision (c)(1) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
(1) provision for the Secretary to initiate a due process proceeding to challenge the need for residential placement where the team believes that a less restrictive educational placement is both available and appropriate for the child with a disability, and to reimburse the supervisory union and the parents or guardian of the child for reasonable costs and attorney's fees in the event the Secretary does not prevail;
Subdivision (c)(2) effective until July 1, 2017; see also subdivision (c)(2) effective July 1, 2017 set out below.
(2) provision for technical assistance, a plan for correction, or withholding of funds under this section where a school district places a child in a residential facility more expensive than an available and appropriate alternative residential facility; however, such withholding of funds shall not exceed the difference between the cost of the two facilities and the rule shall provide an opportunity for appeal of the withholding; and
Subdivision (c)(2) effective July 1, 2017; see also subdivision (c)(2) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
(2) provision for technical assistance, a plan for correction, or withholding of funds under this section where a supervisory union places a child in a residential facility more expensive than an available and appropriate alternative residential facility; however, such withholding of funds shall not exceed the difference between the cost of the two facilities and the rule shall provide an opportunity for appeal of the withholding; and
(3) procedures and timelines to ensure that residential placement of a child with disabilities is not delayed or disrupted so as to adversely affect the child.
(d) Whenever a residential placement is determined to be necessary and appropriate for a child with a disability, the Residential Placement Review Team shall include in the child's individualized education program goals and objectives designed to reintegrate the child into a local school district.
(e) Costs for residential placement shall be reimbursed under subchapter 2 of this chapter only if the residential facility is approved by the State Board for the purposes of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. (Added 1989, No. 107, § 5; amended 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 202, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
[Section 2959 effective until July 1, 2017; see also section 2959 effective July 1, 2017 set out below.]§ 2959. Rulemaking; mediation
(a) The State Board shall adopt rules governing the determination of a child's eligibility for special education, accounting and financial reporting standards, program requirements, procedural requirements, and the identification of the district or agency responsible for each child with a disability.
(b) Subject to rules established by the State Board, the Secretary shall offer mediation to parents, children with disabilities, and districts and agencies involved in special education disputes. (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 203, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
[Section 2959 effective July 1, 2017; see also section 2959 effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.]§ 2959. Rulemaking; mediation
(a) The State Board shall adopt rules governing the determination of a child's eligibility for special education, accounting and financial reporting standards, program requirements, procedural requirements, and the identification of the supervisory union or agency responsible for each child with a disability.
(b) Subject to rules established by the State Board, the Secretary shall offer mediation to parents, children with disabilities, and districts, supervisory unions, and agencies involved in special education disputes. (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 203, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
(c) At least annually, the Secretary of Education shall pay to each supervisory union submitting Medicaid bills under this section 50 percent of the reimbursed funds generated by the supervisory union's bill, excluding claims generated by State-placed students. Unless the supervisory union has agreed to use the funds to operate a supervisory unionwide program or to distribute the funds in a different manner, upon receipt, the supervisory union shall distribute the funds to its member school districts based on how the funds were generated. The Secretary may withhold payment due a school district pursuant to section 2950 of this title for a Medicaid-eligible State-placed student if the school district has not submitted a Medicaid claim for reimbursable services for that student.
(e) School districts shall use funds received under this section to pay for reasonable costs of administering the Medicaid claims process, and for prevention and intervention programs in prekindergarten through grade 12. The programs shall be designed to facilitate early identification of and intervention with children with disabilities and to ensure all students achieve rigorous and challenging standards approved and adopted by the State Board or locally adopted standards. A school district shall provide an annual written justification to the Secretary of Education of the use of the funds. Such annual submission shall show how the funds' use is expressly linked to those provisions of the school district's action plan that directly relate to improving student performance. A school district shall include in its annual report the amount of the prior year's Medicaid reimbursement revenues and the use of Medicaid funds consistent with the purposes set forth in this subsection.
§ 2959b. Individualized education programs
A school district or supervisory union responsible for developing an individualized education program for a child with a disability may consider the cost of the provision of special education or related services to the child if:
(1) the district or supervisory union has developed the individualized education program in accordance with federal law through an individualized program team that included the parents;
(2) the individualized education program team has determined that the child's placement contained in the program is appropriate for the child as that term is defined in federal law; and
(3) all the options under consideration by the district or supervisory union for fulfilling the requirements of the child's individualized education program would constitute a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for the child, as those terms are defined in federal law. (Added 1999, No. 117 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 302, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
Subchapter 002: AID FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
[Section 2961 effective until July 1, 2017; see also section 2961 effective July 1, 2017 set out below.]§ 2961. Standard mainstream block grants
(b) The district shall expend all such assistance for special education services or for remedial or compensatory services in accordance with its service plan as required under section 2964 of this title. It shall likewise expend, from local funds, an amount not less than 40 percent of its mainstream salary standard for special education.
(d) If in any fiscal year, a district that maintains a school does not expend an amount equal to its mainstream salary standard on special education expenditures, the district may expend the balance, including the matching funds, to provide support and remedial services pursuant to section 2902 or 2903 of this title. A district choosing to expend funds in this way shall submit a report describing the services provided and their costs with the final financial report submitted under section 2968 of this title. (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. July 1, 1991; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 13; 1997, No. 60, §§ 30, 30a, eff. July 1, 1998; 2003, No. 130 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)
[Section 2961 effective July 1, 2017; see also section 2961 effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.]§ 2961. Standard mainstream block grants
§ 2961a. Repealed. 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 30(a)(3).
[Section 2962 effective until July, 2017; see also section 2962 effective July 1, 2017 set out below.]§ 2962. Extraordinary services reimbursement
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, extraordinary services reimbursement shall be payable to each town school district, city school district, union school district, unified union school district, incorporated school district, the member school districts of an interstate school district, and unorganized town or gore.
(b) The amount of extraordinary services reimbursement provided to each district shall be equal to 90 percent of its extraordinary special education expenditures.
(c) As used in this subchapter, "extraordinary special education expenditures" means a school district's allowable expenditures that for any one child exceed $50,000.00 for a fiscal year. In this subsection, child means a student with disabilities who is three years of age or older in the current school year. The State Board shall define allowable expenditures that shall include any expenditures required under federal law, and any costs of mediation conducted by a mediator who is approved by the Secretary.
(d) [Repealed.] (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1989, No. 107, § 6; 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 18, 26; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. July 1, 1997; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 1997, No. 60, § 30b, eff. July 1, 1998; 2003, No. 36, § 13; 2003, No. 130 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 205, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
[Section 2962 effective July 1, 2017; see also section 2962 effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.]§ 2962. Extraordinary services reimbursement
§ 2963. Special education expenditures reimbursement
(a) Each town school district, city school district, union school district, unified union school district, incorporated school district, the member school districts of an interstate school district, and unorganized town or gore shall receive a special education expenditures reimbursement grant each school year.
(a) Based on where the related cost is incurred, each town school district, city school district, union school district, unified union school district, incorporated school district, the member school districts of an interstate school district, and unorganized town or gore or supervisory union shall receive a special education expenditures reimbursement grant each school year.
(b) The amount of a school district's special education expenditures reimbursement shall be equal to the total of its special education expenditures multiplied by the reimbursement rate for that year.
Subsection (b) effective July 1, 2017; see also subsection (e) effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.
(b) The amount of a school district's or supervisory union's special education expenditures reimbursement shall be equal to the total of its special education expenditures multiplied by the reimbursement rate for that year.
(c) As used in this subchapter:
(F) other State funds used for special education costs as defined by the State Board by rule.
(2) The State Board shall define allowable expenditures under this subsection. Allowable expenditures shall include any expenditures required under federal law.
(3) "Special education expenditures reimbursement rate" means a percentage of special education expenditures that is calculated to achieve the 60 percent share required by section 2967(b) of this title.
(d) Repealed.] (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1989, No. 107, § 7; 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 19, eff. July 1, 1991; 1991, No. 104, § 1, eff. June 27, 1991; 1991, No. 104, § 3; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. July 1, 1997; 1997, No. 60, § 30c, eff. July 1, 1998; 1997, No. 71 (Adj. Sess.), § 114, eff. March 11, 1998; 2001, No. 8, § 13; 2003, No. 36, § 14; 2003, No. 130 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
[Section 2963a effective until July 1, 2017; see also section 2963a effective July 1, 2017 set out below.]§ 2963a. Exceptional circumstances
(a) In lieu of reimbursement under section 2963 of this title, the Secretary shall reimburse a school district for 80 percent of the following expenditures:
(1) Costs not eligible for reimbursement under section 2962 of this title for each student causing the school district to be eligible for extraordinary services reimbursement pursuant to that section. However, in order for a school district to be eligible for reimbursement under this section, the total costs of the district eligible for extraordinary services reimbursement must equal or exceed 15 percent of the total costs eligible for state assistance under sections 2961, 2962, and 2963 of this title.
(2) The costs incurred by the school district in placing and maintaining a student in a program operated by the Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
(b) An eligible school district may apply to the Secretary to receive reimbursement under this section. The Secretary shall award reimbursement to a school district under this section if the Secretary makes a determination that the school district considered all the cost-effective and appropriate available alternatives for placement and programs for students before incurring these costs. A decision of the Secretary shall be final. (Added 1997, No. 71 (Adj. Sess.), § 87, eff. March 11, 1998; amended 1999, No. 108 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. May 10, 2000; 2005, No. 182 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 206, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
[Section 2963a effective July 1, 2017; see also section 2963a effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.]§ 2963a. Exceptional circumstances
(a) In lieu of reimbursement under section 2963 of this title, the Secretary shall reimburse a school district or supervisory union for 80 percent of the costs not eligible for reimbursement under section 2962 of this title for each student causing the school district or supervisory union to be eligible for extraordinary services reimbursement pursuant to that section. However, in order for a school district or supervisory union to be eligible for reimbursement under this section, the total costs of the school district or supervisory union eligible for extraordinary services reimbursement must equal or exceed 15 percent of the total costs eligible for State assistance under sections 2961, 2962, and 2963 of this title.
(b) An eligible school district or supervisory union may apply to the Secretary to receive reimbursement under this section. The Secretary shall award reimbursement to a school district or supervisory union under this section if the Secretary makes a determination that the school district or supervisory union considered all the cost-effective and appropriate available alternatives for placement and programs for students before incurring these costs. A decision of the Secretary shall be final. (Added 1997, No. 71 (Adj. Sess.), § 87, eff. March 11, 1998; amended 1999, No. 108 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. May 10, 2000; 2005, No. 182 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 206, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
[Section 2964 effective until July 1, 2017; see also section 2964 effective July 1, 2017 set out below.]§ 2964. Service plan
(a) As a condition of receiving assistance under this subchapter, a supervisory union shall file a service plan with the Secretary annually on or before October 15. The service plan shall contain the anticipated special education expenditures for the following school year. The plan shall be in a form prescribed by the Secretary and shall include information on services planned and anticipated expenditures.
(b) If a supervisory union fails to file a service plan by October 15, the Secretary may withhold any funds due the supervisory district or school districts under this title until a service plan is filed and accepted by the Secretary as properly completed. (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1989, No. 107, § 8; amended 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 20, eff. July 1, 1991; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 16; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 207, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
[Section 2964 effective July 1, 2017; see also section 2964 effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.]§ 2964. Service plan
(a) As a condition of receiving assistance under this subchapter, a supervisory union shall file a service plan with the Secretary annually on or before October 15. The service plan shall contain the anticipated special education expenditures for the following school year for the supervisory union and its member districts. The plan shall be in a form prescribed by the Secretary and shall include information on services planned and anticipated expenditures.
(b) If a supervisory union fails to file a service plan by October 15, the Secretary may withhold any funds due the supervisory union and its member districts under this title until a service plan is filed and accepted by the Secretary as properly completed. (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1989, No. 107, § 8; amended 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 20, eff. July 1, 1991; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 16; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 207, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
[Section 2965 effective until July 1, 2017; see also section 2965 effective July 1, 2017 set out below.]§ 2965. Withholding of aid
If a district or agency fails to meet its legally established obligations toward a child with a disability or the child's parent, and as a result the Agency of Education incurs costs to meet these obligations beyond those otherwise incurred under this chapter, the Secretary shall withhold the amount of funds incurred from any grants due the district or agency under this subchapter. (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 208, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
[Section 2965 effective July 1, 2017; see also section 2965 effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.]§ 2965. Withholding of aid
If a supervisory union, school district, or agency fails to meet its legally established obligations toward a child with a disability or the child's parent, and as a result the Agency of Education incurs costs to meet these obligations beyond those otherwise incurred under this chapter, the Secretary shall withhold the amount of funds incurred from any grants due the supervisory union, school district, or agency under this subchapter. (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 208, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
§ 2966. Repealed. 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 30(a)(4).
§ 2967. Aid projection; State share
(a) On or before December 15, the Secretary shall publish an estimate, by town school district, city school district, union school district, unified union school district, incorporated school district, and the member school districts of an interstate school district, of the amount of State assistance necessary to fully fund sections 2961 through 2963 of this title in the ensuing school year.
(a) On or before December 15, the Secretary shall publish an estimate, by supervisory union and its member districts to the extent they anticipate reimbursable expenditures under this chapter, of the amount of State assistance necessary to fully fund sections 2961 through 2963 of this title in the ensuing school year.
(b) The total expenditures made by the State in any fiscal year pursuant to this chapter shall be 60 percent of the statewide total special education expenditures of funds that are not derived from federal sources. Special education expenditures shall include:
(1) costs eligible for grants and reimbursements under sections 2961 through 2963a of this title;
(2) costs for services for persons who are visually impaired and persons who are deaf and hard of hearing;
(3) costs for the interdisciplinary team program;
(4) costs for regional specialists in multiple disabilities;
(5) funds expended for training and programs to meet the needs of students with emotional behavioral problems under subsection 2969(c) of this title; and
(6) funds expended for training under subsection 2969(d) of this title. (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 27; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; 1997, No. 60, § 30d, eff. July 1, 1998; 1997, No. 71 (Adj. Sess.), § 88, eff. March 11, 1998; 2003, No. 36, § 15; 2003, No. 130 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; 2011, No. 58, § 5, eff. May 31, 2011; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 209, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 79; 2013, No. 142 (Adj. Sess.), § 31; 2015, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 25; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
[Section 2968 effective until July 1, 2017; see also section 2968 effective July 1, 2017 set out below.]§ 2968. Reports
(a) On or before November 15, March 15, and August 1 of each school year, each supervisory union and school district shall file a financial report with the Secretary in a form prescribed by the Secretary. The report shall describe total expenditures for special education actually incurred during the preceding period, and shall describe revenues derived from different funding sources, including federal assistance, State assistance under this section, and local effort.
(b) If a supervisory union or school district fails to file a complete report by August 1, until the properly completed August 1 report is filed and accepted by the Secretary, the Secretary may withhold any funds due the supervisory union or school district under this title and shall subtract $100.00 per business day from funds due to the supervisory union or school district under this title for that fiscal year. The Secretary may waive the $100.00 penalty required under this subsection upon appeal by the supervisory union or school district. The Secretary shall establish procedures for administration of this subsection.
(d) Special education receipts and expenditures shall be included within the audits required of supervisory unions and school districts pursuant to sections 323 and 563(17) of this title. (Added 1987, No. 235 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 21; 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 18; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 210, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
[Section 2968 effective July 1, 2017; see also section 2968 effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.]§ 2968. Reports
(a) On or before August 15, December 15, and April 15 of each school year, the State Treasurer shall withdraw from the Education Fund, based on warrant of the Commissioner of Finance and Management, and shall forward to each school district, the amount of State assistance estimated in accordance with State Board rules to be necessary to fund sections 2961 through 2963a of this title in the current fiscal period. The State Board shall by rule ensure that the amount of such assistance shall be adjusted to compensate for any overpayments or underpayments determined, after review and acceptance of the reports submitted under section 2968 of this title, to have been made in previous periods. Notwithstanding this subsection, failure to submit the reports within the timelines established by subsection 2968(a) of this title shall result in the withholding of any payments until the report is filed.
(b) Repealed.]
(e) School districts and supervisory unions that apply for funds under this section must submit a plan for training that will result in lasting changes in their school systems and give assurances that at least 50 percent of the costs of training, including in-kind costs, will be assumed by the applicant. The Secretary shall establish written procedures and criteria for the award of such funds. In addition, the Secretary may identify schools most in need of training assistance and may pay for 100 percent of the assistance provided to these schools.
§§ 2970, 2971. [Reserved for future use.].
§ 2972. Repealed. 1995, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 30(a)(4).
§ 2973. Independent school tuition rates
(a) The Secretary shall establish minimum standards of services for students receiving special education in independent schools in Vermont; shall set, after consultation with independent schools in Vermont, the maximum rates to be paid by the Agency and school districts for tuition, room, and board based on the level of services; and may advise independent schools as to the need for certain special education services in Vermont.
(b) Neither school districts nor any State agency shall pay rates for tuition, room, and board, for students receiving special education in independent schools outside Vermont that are in excess of allowable costs approved by the authorized body in the state in which the independent school is located, except in exceptional circumstances or for a child who needs exceptional services, as approved by the Secretary.
(c) The State Board is authorized to enter into interstate compacts with other states to regulate rates for tuition, room, and board for students receiving special education in independent schools. (Added 1989, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 1991, No. 24, § 11; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 212, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
It is the public policy of the State that integrated special education services are recognized as an essential responsibility of the educational system that benefits all students and contribute to the good of the State. This section and section 2974 of this title recognize that best practices in delivery of such services promote this policy. (Added 2007, No. 82, § 26.)
[Section 2974 effective until July 1, 2017; see also section 2974 effective July 1, 2017 set out below.]§ 2974. Special education program; fiscal review
(a) Annually, the Secretary shall report to the State Board regarding:
(3) results for special education students;
(5) the consistency of special education program implementation statewide;
(C) the percentage of special education students by in-district placement, day placement, and residential placement.
(b) The Secretary's report shall include the following data for both high and low spending districts:
(1) each district's special education staff-to-child count ratios as compared to the State average, including a breakdown of ratios by staffing categories;
(2) each district's percentage of students in day programs and residential placements as compared to the State average of students in those placements and information about the categories of disabilities for the students in such placements;
(5) a review of high and low spending districts' special education student count patterns over time;
(6) a review of the district's compliance with federal and State requirements to provide a free, appropriate public education to eligible students; and
(c) The Secretary shall review low spending districts to determine the reasons for their spending patterns and whether those districts used cost-effective strategies appropriate to replicate in other districts.
(d) For the purposes of this section, a "high spending district" is a school district that, in the previous school year, spent at least 20 percent more than the statewide average of special education eligible costs per average daily membership. Also for the purposes of this section, a "low spending district" is a school district that, in the previous school year, spent no more than 80 percent of the statewide average of special education eligible costs per average daily membership.
(e) The Secretary and Agency staff shall assist the high spending districts, that have been identified in subsection (a) of this section and have not presented an explanation for their spending that is satisfactory to the Secretary, to identify reasonable alternatives and to develop a remediation plan. Development of the remediation plan shall include an on-site review. The district shall have two years to make progress on the remediation plan. At the conclusion of the two years or earlier, the district shall report its progress on the remediation plan.
(f) Within 30 days of receipt of the district's report of progress, the Secretary shall notify the district that its progress is either satisfactory or not satisfactory.
(1) If the district fails to make satisfactory progress, the Secretary shall notify the district that, in the ensuing school year, the Secretary shall withhold 10 percent of the district's special education expenditures reimbursement pending satisfactory compliance with the plan.
(2) If the district fails to make satisfactory progress after the first year of withholding, 10 percent shall be withheld in each subsequent year pending satisfactory compliance with the plan; provided, however, before funds are withheld in any year under this subdivision (f)(2), the district shall explain to the State Board either the reasons the district believes it made satisfactory progress on the remediation plan or the reasons it failed to do so. The State Board's decision whether to withhold funds under this subdivision shall be final.
(3) If the district makes satisfactory progress under any subdivision of this subsection, the Secretary shall release to the district any special education expenditures reimbursement withheld for the prior fiscal year only.
(g) Within 10 days after receiving the Secretary's notice under subdivision (f)(1) of this section, the district may challenge the Secretary's decision by filing a written objection to the State Board outlining the reasons the district believes it made satisfactory progress on the remediation plan. The Secretary may file a written response within 10 days after the district's objection is filed. The State Board may give the district and the Secretary an opportunity to be heard. The State Board's decision shall be final. The State shall withhold no portion of the district's reimbursement before the State Board issues its decision under this subsection.
(h) Nothing in this section shall prevent a school district from seeking and receiving the technical assistance of Agency staff to reduce its special education spending. (Added 1997, No. 60, § 31, eff. June 26, 1997; amended 1997, No. 71 (Adj. Sess.), § 115, eff. March 11, 1998; 1999, No. 117 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 2007, No. 82, § 10; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 213, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 11, § 14.)
[Section 2974 effective July 1, 2017; see also section 2974 effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.]§ 2974. Special education program; fiscal review
(1) special education expenditures by supervisory unions;
(2) the rate of growth or decrease in special education costs, including the identity of high- and low-spending supervisory unions;
(6) the status of the education support systems in supervisory unions; and
(A) the percentage of the total average daily membership represented by special education students statewide and by supervisory union;
(C) the percentage of special education students served by public schools within the supervisory union, by day placement, and by residential placement.
(b) The Secretary's report shall include the following data for both high- and low-spending supervisory unions:
(1) each supervisory union's special education staff-to-child count ratios as compared to the State average, including a breakdown of ratios by staffing categories;
(2) each supervisory union's percentage of students in day programs and residential placements as compared to the State average of students in those placements and information about the categories of disabilities for the students in such placements;
(3) whether the supervisory union was in compliance with section 2901 of this title;
(4) any unusual community characteristics in each supervisory union relevant to special education placements;
(5) a review of high- and low-spending supervisory unions' special education student count patterns over time;
(6) a review of the supervisory union's compliance with federal and State requirements to provide a free, appropriate public education to eligible students; and
(c) The Secretary shall review low-spending supervisory unions to determine the reasons for their spending patterns and whether those supervisory unions used cost-effective strategies appropriate to replicate in other supervisory unions.
(d) For the purposes of this section, a "high-spending supervisory union" is a supervisory union that, in the previous school year, spent at least 20 percent more than the statewide average of special education eligible costs per average daily membership. Also for the purposes of this section, a " low-spending supervisory union" is a supervisory union that, in the previous school year, spent no more than 80 percent of the statewide average of special education eligible costs per average daily membership.
(e) The Secretary and Agency staff shall assist the high-spending supervisory unions, that have been identified in subsection (a) of this section and have not presented an explanation for their spending that is satisfactory to the Secretary, to identify reasonable alternatives and to develop a remediation plan. Development of the remediation plan shall include an on-site review. The supervisory union shall have two years to make progress on the remediation plan. At the conclusion of the two years or earlier, the supervisory union shall report its progress on the remediation plan.
(f) Within 30 days of receipt of the supervisory union's report of progress, the Secretary shall notify the supervisory union that its progress is either satisfactory or not satisfactory.
(1) If the supervisory union fails to make satisfactory progress, the Secretary shall notify the supervisory union that, in the ensuing school year, the Secretary shall withhold 10 percent of the supervisory union's special education expenditures reimbursement pending satisfactory compliance with the plan.
(2) If the district fails to make satisfactory progress after the first year of withholding, 10 percent shall be withheld in each subsequent year pending satisfactory compliance with the plan; provided, however, before funds are withheld in any year under this subdivision (f)(2), the supervisory union shall explain to the State Board either the reasons the supervisory union believes it made satisfactory progress on the remediation plan or the reasons it failed to do so. The State Board's decision whether to withhold funds under this subdivision shall be final.
(3) If the supervisory union makes satisfactory progress under any subdivision of this subsection, the Secretary shall release to the supervisory union any special education expenditures reimbursement withheld for the prior fiscal year only.
(g) Within 10 days after receiving the Secretary's notice under subdivision (f)(1) of this section, the supervisory union may challenge the Secretary's decision by filing a written objection to the State Board outlining the reasons the supervisory union believes it made satisfactory progress on the remediation plan. The Secretary may file a written response within 10 days after the supervisory union's objection is filed. The State Board may give the supervisory union and the Secretary an opportunity to be heard. The State Board's decision shall be final. The State shall withhold no portion of the supervisory union's reimbursement before the State Board issues its decision under this subsection.
(h) Nothing in this section shall prevent a supervisory union from seeking and receiving the technical assistance of Agency staff to reduce its special education spending. (Added 1997, No. 60, § 31, eff. June 26, 1997; amended 1997, No. 71 (Adj. Sess.), § 115, eff. March 11, 1998; 1999, No. 117 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 2007, No. 82, § 10; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 213, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 11, § 14; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)
[Section 2975 effective until July 1, 2017; see also section 2975 effective July 1, 2017 set out below.]§ 2975. Unusual special education costs; financial assistance
The Secretary may use up to two percent of the funds appropriated for special education expenditures, as that term is defined in subsection 2967(b) of this title, to directly assist school districts with special education expenditures of an unusual or unexpected nature. These funds shall not be used for exceptional circumstances that are funded under section 2963a of this title. The Secretary's decision regarding a district's eligibility for and amount of assistance shall be final. (Added 2007, No. 66, § 13; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 214, eff. Feb. 14, 2014.)
[Section 2975 effective July 1, 2017; see also section 2975 effective until July 1, 2017 set out above.]§ 2975. Unusual special education costs; financial assistance
The Secretary may use up to two percent of the funds appropriated for special education expenditures, as that term is defined in subsection 2967(b) of this title, to directly assist supervisory unions with special education expenditures of an unusual or unexpected nature. These funds shall not be used for exceptional circumstances that are funded under section 2963a of this title. The Secretary's decision regarding a supervisory union's eligibility for and amount of assistance shall be final. (Added 2007, No. 66, § 13; amended 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 214, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2015, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.)