How the Grinch Stole Special Ed
The Grinch has left Whoville and moved into the White House. But, instead of stealing holiday gifts, he is now waging war on some of our most vulnerable students, those who have medical and physical challenges. Like the Whos in Dr. Seuss’ beloved story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, we at San Diego Unified are not taking this lying down. Every student deserves the support that allows them to learn, thrive, and be seen. I am committed to fighting for that support and will not step back until every student gets the services they deserve.
Trump used the recent government shutdown to gut the Department of Education, including firing every single staff member in the Office of Special Education and decimating the Office of Civil Rights, responsible for enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a fifty year-old law which guarantees students with disabilities an education appropriate to their needs. Under IDEA, the federal government is required to provide 40% of the funding needed for Special Ed, but they are not doing their job.
Trump has also cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid. All children with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities – in California, nearly 1 million – receive at least some services through Medicaid.
All children with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities – in California, nearly 1 million – receive at least some services through Medicaid. Approximately 16,100 students with disabilities attend San Diego Unified, 16.9% of our student population. English learners, as well as low-income children, are disproportionately represented among these students. We should be protecting them, not stealing their pathway to success.
“As a parent, I’m grateful for Richard Barrera’s unwavering commitment to special education. He doesn’t just advocate for resources – he champions our children’s potential. His dedication reminds families like mine that our kids matter, their needs matter, and their futures deserve every opportunity to shine.”
Rachel and her daughter Audrey
Special Education services cost San Diego Unified more than $400 million annually. Yet, our school district only receives $28 to $30 million from the federal government, about 7% of our costs and a far cry from the 40% it is legally obligated to spend. This pattern is repeated throughout the state. I aim to change that.
Earlier this month, our Board adopted an aggressive set of legislative priorities that will demand increased federal funding for IDEA. Our district will also pursue additional state funding and implement internal improvements to make our system of Special Ed even more responsive and effective.
In this season of goodwill, I hope you will support my work to protect all of California’s students from the Grinch in the White House by donating to my campaign for Superintendent of Public Instruction or by getting involved at https://www.barreraforedu.com.
