The Iowa Department of Education is examining special education spending in 13 school districts where funding shortfalls are growing as schools provide legally required services to students.
In Iowa, most public school districts face special education deficits because the state funding formula often falls short of the actual costs mandated for students with Individualized Education Program plans. These plans outline specialized instruction, accommodations and other services like speech or occupational therapy required for a student that has a qualifying learning disability.
The Department of Education has not identified the 13 districts where special education spending is under review…