08/18/2026
Hi everyone, school has started in many states, and districts have created budgets for the 2026/2027 school year. BUT did you know that school districts cannot CUT special education? NOPE, they cannot, it is protected under the IDEA law, commonly referred to as the Anti-Cut Rule/ Maintenance of Effort 34 CFR 300.203.
The law states that a school district is legally prohibited from cutting special education funding from one year to the next to balance their general budget. When a district claims they 'can't afford' a specialized program or necessary staff due to budget crunches, they are hiding their obligation. They are required by law to maintain a stable financial commitment to special education year after year.
So that would mean that the school district is in noncompliance of Fiscal Compliance and guess what, you can file a state complaint against the District for violating this law. FOLLOW the MONEY....
This is also why sooooooo many school districts say things off the record and refuse to put their illegal statements for denying a parents request for additional services in writing, better known as PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE.....
Here is the updated version with that crucial addition included so parents know they will also learn how to report directly to OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs). Parents, you shouldn't have to fight a battle just to make sure your child gets the funding and support the law guarantees. I am so tired of seeing school districts and state agencies twist the rules and gaslight families just to keep IDEA funds in their pockets. If you want to know your rights, I’m putting together a complete tutorial right now. We’ll cover Maintenance of Effort (MOE) obligations (which are separate laws from IDEA Part B and C), along with exact steps on how to file and report violations against an LEA or SEA—including how to notify OSEP directly of what you are reporting regarding funding and spending requirement breaches. Let me know if you want this, and I’ll drop it immediately on my Special Ed. Answers YouTube channel!"
FOLLOWING THE MONEY AND PROVING IT AGAINST THE SEA AND/OR LEA IS HOW YOU PROTECT YOUR CHILD'S RIGHTS.
