Contact: Megan VandenBos, 213-241-6388
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 16, 2025
L.A. Unified Celebrates National Special Education Day
Resolution highlights need for more funding to support students, especially those with moderate to severe disabilities, in their unique educational needs
LOS ANGELES, December 16, 2025 – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education today unanimously reconfirmed its commitment to students with disabilities in its celebration of December 2 as National Special Education Day. In particular, the resolution, authored by Board Member Kelly Gonez, emphasizes the continued need for more funding in support of students with moderate to severe disabilities and additional advocacy to protect against threatened federal funding cuts. Board President Scott Schmerelson, Board Member Karla Griego, Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin, and Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas cosponsored the resolution.
“Special Education Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to meeting the needs of our students with disabilities as we celebrate these students and their incredible contributions to their classrooms, schools, and the entire District,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “As we face threats to federal funding for students with disabilities, we are doubling down on our commitment and our advocacy to these vital programs.”
“On National Special Education Day, we celebrate the strengths and capabilities that our students with disabilities contribute to our school communities,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “At a critical time, we must continue to sustain the essential resources and instructional programs that the special education community needs.”
"Although we are seeing a decline in revenue for schools, the number of special education students continues to rise," said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. "The solution to providing essential services is not to pause or eliminate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, but to strengthen it and fully fund special education across the country. We must encourage our families, neighborhoods, and elected officials at the federal level to recognize that funding for special education is vital for the success of our schools and communities. We will work to strengthen the relationship between LAUSD and our special education community to ensure that disruptions caused by federal actions are met with proper advocacy.”
“Our students with disabilities are essential members of our school communities,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “Protecting special education funding is about providing quality education, honoring their dignity, meeting their needs, and ensuring every child receives the full support they deserve.”
“National Special Education Day honors the strength, brilliance, and resilience of students with disabilities,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill. “At a time when federal and state funding falls short and vital protections are under threat, this resolution reaffirms the District’s commitment to defending IDEA, opposing harmful funding cuts, and ensuring that students with moderate to severe disabilities receive the supports they need to thrive.”
“LAUSD is proud to celebrate the strengths and contributions of our students with disabilities and to recognize December 2 as National Special Education Day,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “This resolution reaffirms our commitment to inclusion, to securing the state and federal resources our students deserve, and to strengthening our partnership with families. We will continue advocating and improving so every student receives the support, dignity, and opportunity they are entitled to.”
“As a former special education teacher, I recognize that students with disabilities must never be treated as an afterthought and are entitled to full investment, dignity, and opportunity throughout their educational experience. As we recognize National Special Education Day this month and beyond, we reaffirm our responsibility to protect their civil rights, address chronic underfunding, and ensure every student receives the supports necessary to thrive,” said Board Member Karla Griego.
“This month and all year long I proudly acknowledge the more than 65,000 students in LA Unified receiving special education services, along with the incredibly dedicated educators and families who support them every day,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “This recognition is both a celebration of the progress we have made and a call to action to uphold inclusion, especially at a time when inclusionary rights are being challenged nationwide. I will continue to advocate alongside my colleagues to protect funding and resources to better support students with disabilities and their families.”
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