What Does Gutting Special Education Mean For South Dakota?

South Dakota schools could lose millions in special education and other federal funding due to proposed budget cuts and a federal funding freeze.

The current administration's recent reduction-in-force has eliminated nearly all staff in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), leaving only a handful of top officials and support personnel.

This dramatic downsizing of the federal office responsible for overseeing special education nationwide raises urgent questions for South Dakota families and educators.

South Dakota received over $48 million in federal funding for special education services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in fiscal year 2024

South Dakota is particularly vulnerable, as federal education funds represented 21.7% of the state's total K-12 education budget in 2021-22, the second-highest percentage in the nation according to the US Department of Education.

South Dakota also received over $18 million in IDEA funding to support special education services.

These federal funds help ensure that children receive mandated special education services, early intervention programs, and transition support for high school students with disabilities.