Walberg Introduces Legislation to Give Local School Districts Increased Flexibility
July 8, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07) introduced the Building on Local District (BOLD) Flexibility in IDEA Act, legislation to provide local school districts greater flexibility from federal spending mandates. The BOLD Flexibility in IDEA Act would allow school districts to seek exceptions from stringent federal Maintenance of Effort (MoE) spending requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) if they are facing serious financial circumstances or attain efficiencies that do not impact the provision of special education services. The legislation is supported by the School Superintendents Association, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Michigan Association of School Administrators, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators, and education leaders across Michigan.
"Providing local districts with greater budgetary flexibility, while ensuring a commitment to quality services, will allow more resources to be devoted to the classroom. Each district is unique and returning decision-making to the local level instead of a one-size-fits-all approach will help every student receive the quality education they deserve," said Congressman Tim Walberg, a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee.
"The BOLD Flexibility in IDEA Act recognizes that districts are ‘doing more with less' and need to realize savings to their special education programs in tough fiscal times. When these savings do not impact the ability of districts to serve students with disabilities, it is common sense to allow districts additional flexibility from federal funding mandates. We greatly appreciate Rep. Walberg's recognition of this critical school funding issue and look forward to amending this policy when IDEA is reauthorized," said Daniel Domenech, Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
"We are appreciative of the efforts of Congressman Walberg in introducing this bill. While State's have the ability to request a waiver of the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements for unique circumstances, local school districts currently do not have the same option. This bill will allow local districts that are experiencing financial challenges to seek a waiver of the MOE requirements while still ensuring that the fundamental services required under IDEA are not compromised," said Scott Menzel, Superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
"Representative Walberg's proposed changes in the maintenance of effort language will eliminate the penalty to school districts that strive to reduce costs yet maintain services to special education students. These proposed changes are critical to school districts' funding and Representative Walberg is to be commended for his efforts," said Jim Philp, Superintendent of the Lenawee Intermediate School District.
"The ability for local school districts to efficiently manage IDEA funds is greatly hampered by the current maintenance of effort language. Proposed changes would allow for better, more efficient use of taxpayer funds," said Scot Graden, Superintendent of Saline Area Schools.
"We appreciate Congressman Walberg's leadership on this important issue. This legislation recognizes states, like Michigan, that have instituted responsible reforms will no longer be held captive to outdated Federal mandates," said Chris Wigent, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of School Administrators.
"Providing local districts with greater budgetary flexibility, while ensuring a commitment to quality services, will allow more resources to be devoted to the classroom. Each district is unique and returning decision-making to the local level instead of a one-size-fits-all approach will help every student receive the quality education they deserve," said Congressman Tim Walberg, a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee.
"The BOLD Flexibility in IDEA Act recognizes that districts are ‘doing more with less' and need to realize savings to their special education programs in tough fiscal times. When these savings do not impact the ability of districts to serve students with disabilities, it is common sense to allow districts additional flexibility from federal funding mandates. We greatly appreciate Rep. Walberg's recognition of this critical school funding issue and look forward to amending this policy when IDEA is reauthorized," said Daniel Domenech, Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
"We are appreciative of the efforts of Congressman Walberg in introducing this bill. While State's have the ability to request a waiver of the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements for unique circumstances, local school districts currently do not have the same option. This bill will allow local districts that are experiencing financial challenges to seek a waiver of the MOE requirements while still ensuring that the fundamental services required under IDEA are not compromised," said Scott Menzel, Superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
"Representative Walberg's proposed changes in the maintenance of effort language will eliminate the penalty to school districts that strive to reduce costs yet maintain services to special education students. These proposed changes are critical to school districts' funding and Representative Walberg is to be commended for his efforts," said Jim Philp, Superintendent of the Lenawee Intermediate School District.
"The ability for local school districts to efficiently manage IDEA funds is greatly hampered by the current maintenance of effort language. Proposed changes would allow for better, more efficient use of taxpayer funds," said Scot Graden, Superintendent of Saline Area Schools.
"We appreciate Congressman Walberg's leadership on this important issue. This legislation recognizes states, like Michigan, that have instituted responsible reforms will no longer be held captive to outdated Federal mandates," said Chris Wigent, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of School Administrators.
Issues:Education