FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Megan VandenBos, 818-792-0679
Los Angeles Unified Board Recommits to its Students with Disabilities
Resolution celebrates and focuses advocacy on the more than 26,000 students with moderate to severe disabilities and their unique educational needs
LOS ANGELES – The Board of Education today affirmed its commitment to Los Angeles Unified students with moderate to severe disabilities and to advocate for greater funding from the state and federal governments to meet the needs of all students. Students with moderate to severe disabilities account for 4.4% of Los Angeles Unified’s student population, fully double the statewide average of 2.2%.
The resolution, authored by Board Member Kelly Gonez, highlighted the significant disparity between the funding the District receives to educate students with disabilities and the actual resources required for such educational programs. Overall, the District spends approximately $1.7 billion on special education, with more than $400 million going to support students with moderate to severe disabilities.
“We at Los Angeles Unified celebrate our students with disabilities, and we are committed to meeting their unique needs,” Board Member Gonez said. “This resolution reflects our dedication to these students and to advocating alongside their families for greater resources to provide these critical programs and to do even more.”
“I’m proud to represent Lowman Special Education and Career Transition Center,” she continued, “which provides a wonderful instructional program for our students with moderate to severe disabilities. This resolution stems from my work with the families of Lowman, who are passionate advocates for their students and for all students with disabilities.”
The resolution was co-sponsored by Board President Dr. Richard Vladovic and Board Member Nick Melvoin.
“This is an issue of equity as Los Angeles Unified and our schools serve a high-needs population,” Superintendent Austin Butner said. “The State of California needs to provide adequate funding to allow our schools to properly serve our special-needs students.”
“I want to thank my colleagues for bringing this resolution forward because we have to be advocates for our special education students, specifically our moderate to severe disabilities children,” Board President Dr. Vladovic said. “We need more funding and resources to adequately serve the needs and the instructional services that our students with disabilities deserve. We need more opportunities for parents and families of students with disabilities to work together with Los Angeles Unified because we work better when we work as partners, side by side.”
“We serve a growing student population of moderate to severe disabilities,” School Board Vice President Jackie Goldberg said. “We must rectify the inadequate and unacceptable levels of funding for special education at both the federal and state levels so that we can address our students’ unique assets and needs.”
“When I talk with parents and observe our teachers and administrators, I know they are amazing in their support and services for our special needs’ students,” School Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “But each one understands the need for adequate funding to ensure access and equity for all students. I am committed to advocating for fully funding special educational services to support student outcomes.”
“This resolution is a symbol of our commitment to serve all children well,” Board Member Mónica García said. “We call on our leaders in Sacramento and Washington to increase support and resources for special education, particularly for students with moderate to severe disabilities. Thank you Board Member Gonez for your leadership on this initiative.”
“As a fearless advocate for special education and the chair of the Special Education Committee, I will continue to support the rights of parents that have students with disabilities in the IEP process and provide more awareness and resources to them,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I am confident in our Government Relations team and I know they will continue to propose and advocate for legislation that will only bring sustainable funding for our special education students.”
“It is a privilege to serve our district’s students with disabilities and ensure they are learning in the best possible environment, and we are proud to advocate for increased and equitable funding to best serve and support these students’ needs,” Board Member Melvoin said. “I hope our state and federal governments will see the importance of serving our students w