Seattle Times

Washington lawmakers are likely to eliminate a longstanding limit on special education spending — a change advocates call a civil rights victory years in the making. This move, coupled with an overall boost to special education funding, would bring at least a little relief to school districts, in the neighborhood of about $150 million annually. It’s a notable commitment, especially this year, as lawmakers seek to balance a multibillion-dollar hole in the state’s budget. “It’s going to help,” Chris Reykdal, superintendent of public instruction, said in an interview Thursday. Under current law, Washington only provides state funding to cover special education for up to 16% of a district’s total student population. Over 100 school districts have more than 16% of their students receiving special education services, according to the state education department.