The federal education debate is playing out in the country’s most critical classrooms: those of special needs students across Montana. In a state with a highly educated population and a strong economy, the impact of the debate on special education services is not lost on parents and school leaders. • The debate is centered around the Department of Education’s budget, which has been facing funding shortfalls for special education services. • The portion of funding for special education services comes from a combination of federal, state, and local sources. • This funding is crucial for programs that support students with disabilities and those in low-income areas. A recent executive order from President Trump aims to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, shifting more responsibility to individual states. The change is being met with concern from families and school leaders who fear a loss of federal oversight and accountability. “The lack of high-quality, readily available information, not knowing whether the future for Title One or IDEA special education funding — not knowing whether that’s stable — creates instability in and of itself,” says Chad Berg, Director of Special Education for the Bozeman School District. Berg believes that the shift in responsibility from the federal government to individual states could have a negative impact on programs that support students with disabilities and those in low-income areas.

For parents like Kat Patterson, the stakes are high. Her daughter, Evvie, has been dependent on special education services since she was in school. “She just has this amazingly unique way of looking at things and looking at the world,” Patterson says of her daughter. “Her challenge comes in when she can’t quite articulate it.”
Patterson believes that the support of her school district has made all the difference in Evvie’s education. “We were fortunate because throughout her school experience, even when things weren’t working out and when she didn’t always see eye to eye with some teachers, there was always at least one she could lean on for support and who we can lean on to make sure she gets what she needs,” Patterson says. The importance of community support cannot be overstated, says Patterson. She hopes that this support will remain, no matter what happens at the federal level. “Advocate legislatively, making sure that those who are elected in the positions to represent you know what direction you want them to go, what you want them to support, and why those areas are important to you,” Patterson says.

“Whether it’s advocating to your child at a school meeting, with teachers, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion and let people know how you’re feeling,” says Patterson.

“The future of special education funding is uncertain, but it’s essential that we continue to prioritize the needs of students with disabilities and those in low-income areas,” says Berg. In a state like Montana, where education is a top priority, the impact of the federal education debate on special education services is not to be taken lightly. “The loss of federal funding could have a ripple effect throughout the entire education system,” says Berg. For parents like Patterson, the debate is not just about the dollars and cents, but about the support and services that their children need to succeed. “It’s not just about funding, it’s about the people and the programs that support our children,” says Patterson.

• Federal funding plays a critical role in supporting programs that serve students with disabilities and those in low-income areas. • Funding shortfalls for special education services have historically been a concern. • The shift in responsibility from the federal government to individual states has raised concerns about accountability and support.

• The federal education debate could have a significant impact on special education services in Montana. • Parents and school leaders are concerned about the potential loss of federal funding and the impact it could have on programs that support students with disabilities and those in low-income areas. • The state’s highly educated population and strong economy make it a critical location for the implementation of special education services.