HARRISBURG – Senator Scott Martin (R-13) will play a more prominent role in helping school districts meet the educational needs of students with disabilities after being added to a commission that is responsible for studying special education funding.
Martin was appointed this week by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) to serve on the Special Education Funding Commission, which reviews how special education dollars are allocated to schools. Nearly $1.2 billion was dedicated to special education programs in the state budget approved by lawmakers in June, including $50 million in new funding.
When the 15-member panel last convened in 2013, a new special education funding formula was developed to help ensure any new dollars dedicated to special education are allocated based on the specific needs of individual students and school districts.
Pennsylvania is home to more than 276,000 children with disabilities – nearly 16 percent of the total student population.
“It is critical to make sure that every dollar we invest in special education is put to the best possible use in helping young people with disabilities overcome the challenges they face,” Martin said. “The special education funding formula developed in 2013 was a great first step, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this panel to determine the next steps we need to take on behalf of students with the most significant educational needs.”
CONTACT: Terry Trego (717) 787-6535