Efforts are underway to reduce special education costs in the Hopkins public schools to prepare for less state aid and the loss of one-time federal stimulus funding in years to come.
This week, school leaders outlined the proposed cuts at a community meeting sponsored by a special education advisory committee made up of parents and school staff members.
The Hopkins school board has until June 30 to adopt its final budget for the 2010-11 school year, which includes a proposal to cut $300,000 from the special education budget.
Expecting little or no state aid, given Minnesota's projected budget deficit, school districts across the metro area are taking a cautious approach to budget planning this spring.
In Hopkins, the proposed cuts to special education include six fewer paraprofessionals along with transportation changes.
"It won't impact services, but it will look different," said Jan Ormasa, director of special services for the Hopkins school district. The district serves 1,066 special education students out of 7,678 students overall.
"This will be a significant piece for many parents," Ormasa told about 60 people at Tuesday night's meeting.
Julie Orr, whose son receives special education services, was one of several parents who expressed concerns about having fewer paraprofessionals and the effects on special education students and the rest of the children in classrooms.
