By Kyra Miles and Elizabeth Shockman
Recently released state budget data shows the counts and costs of special education are rising dramatically in Minnesota. The forecast projects special education services to rise by $1.7 billion by 2029.
The growth has already begun. Historically, the state plans on an increase of 5 to 6 percent in the amount spent on special education. The 2024 increase is expected to come in at more than 9 percent.
“Costs are going up, largely attributable to inflation and rising wages,” said Scott Croonquist, executive director of the Association of Metropolitan School Districts, which represents more than 50 districts in the Twin Cities region.
He and other observers point to a surge in staffing and transportation costs for special education programs, but the number of students needing services has also been growing.
The overall number of students using special education services has grown from about 110,000 to 150,000 in the last 10 years. That’s about 18 percent of the state’s public school student population.