Schools

Additional State Special Education Aid Possible

BOE says they will apply for additional state funding.

It is possible Westfield could qualify for additional state special education aid as the budget process continues.

In response to a question from parent Amy Chin during Tuesday night's BOE budget meeting, Schools Superintendent Margaret Dolan said the school district will be applying for the extraordinary aid for special education students on an on-going basis. The state has already announced a 90.4-percent cut in state aid to Westfield's public schools as a part of Gov. Chris Christie's budget proposal. Most of the remaining state aid is going to handle special education costs.

Dolan said the applications are submitted per student and handled towards the end of the school year. Last year the district did not receive a final extraordinary aid number from the state Department of Education until June.

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Westfield has not traditionally received a complete reimbursement from the state for special education costs. Only once has the school district received complete reimbursement. BOE members said seeking the money will remain a priority.

"We will continue to apply for those funds to the fullest," board member Richard Solomon said.

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