Help Us Keep Up the Pressure — Advocate for Increased Special Education Funding
With the July 1st goal for budget passage quickly approaching, the window is narrowing for the Joint Finance Committee to negotiate a budget and pass it through both the Senate and Assembly. We are entering a critical phase of the budget process, and we need your voice.
SAA is urging members to contact their legislators and advocate for increased special education reimbursement rates to build on our unified voice at the Joint Finance Committee public hearings.
One of the most effective ways to influence decision-makers is to share concrete, local examples of how your district must transfer general fund dollars to cover the unmet costs of special education services.
Please consider sending a short, direct email to your legislators. Every contact makes a difference — and now is the time to amplify our unified message. Other education stakeholders are also mobilizing their members. Let's ensure school administrators remain a leading voice in this conversation.
Below are sample email templates you can customize. A brief, focused email, grounded in your district’s experience, will be the most effective. If you'd like support crafting your message or sharing data about your district’s general fund transfers, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. Let’s keep the pressure on.
Email Sample #1
Subject: Support Investment in Special Education Reimbursement
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
I’m writing to ask for your support in increasing special education reimbursement in the 2025-27 State Budget. In [District Name], we must transfer approximately [$X] from our general fund each year to cover special education costs. That’s money we cannot use to maintain class sizes, expand career and technical education programs, recruit teachers, or expand student mental health services.
The current reimbursement rate—projected to fall below 30%—is simply not sustainable. Please support increasing the reimbursement rate to 60% to help all students succeed.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & District]
Email Sample #2
Subject: Budget Support for Increased Special Education Aid
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
As a school leader in [District Name], I want to share how underfunding special education impacts our students. We transfer [$X or X%] of our general fund annually to cover the shortfall in state aid. This limits our ability to invest in programs that benefit all students.
Increasing the special education reimbursement rate to 60% sum sufficient would provide relief for every school district in Wisconsin and allow us to better meet the needs of every child.
Please make this a priority in the state budget.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & District]
Email Sample #3
Subject: Need for Investment in Special Education Funding
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
School administrators across Wisconsin are united in urging the Legislature to address the chronic underfunding of special education. In [District Name], we’ve had to shift [$X] annually from our general fund to meet special education needs. This is not sustainable and puts pressure on every part of our school system.
We urge you to support increasing the state reimbursement rate to 60% sum sufficient.
Let’s take a meaningful step toward funding fairness and educational opportunity for all students.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title & District]
Additional Resources:
Dee Pettack, Executive Director, School Administrators Alliance (SAA), [email protected], www.wsaa.org
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