VAISEF

This morning, VAISEF had the opportunity to address the State Executive Council on Children’s Services regarding critical issues impacting Special Education Private Day programs in Virginia. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg and Delegate Carrie Coyner, who have been strong advocates for specialized education. Senator VanValkenburg’s work led to the passage of SJ 261, recognizing the first week of October as Specialized Education School Week in Virginia. Delegate Coyner championed key budget amendments—one of which was adopted—to provide essential data on referral rates and reintegration challenges for students in private day programs. While we appreciate the General Assembly’s decision to adjust the reimbursement cap from 2.5% to 5%, we remain concerned about the unintended consequences of such a cap. These include: ?? Shifting financial burdens to local governments, potentially undermining the concept of “sum sufficiency.” ?? Unequal impact on localities, where even a small increase in placements could strain budgets. ?? Cost-driven decision-making, rather than prioritizing what is best for children. Additionally, the decision to redirect $5 million in CSA pool funds to public school special education programs raises concerns about maintaining the integrity of CSA funding. If savings are achieved, they should be reinvested into community-based services within CSA—not repurposed elsewhere. VAISEF remains committed to working with policymakers to ensure sustainable, equitable solutions for Virginia’s most vulnerable students. #EducationPolicy #SpecialEducation #CSA #VirginiaSchools #VAISEF

VAISEF Member Action Alert January 15, 2025 Senator Creigh Deeds has introduced amendments to: 1. Remove the 2.5% cap on annual reimbursement rate increases for private day special education services. 2. Require OCS to report on LEA progress and barriers to returning students from private day placements. We need your help to ensure these amendments are included in the Senate HHR Subcommittee’s report. Please act within the next 72 hours: 1. Email each subcommittee member, urging them to support Item 268 #2s and #3s. Personalize your email and attach the amendments. 2. If your facility is in a subcommittee member’s district, call their office to follow up. 3. If you’re in Senator Deeds’ district, thank him for his leadership and ask for his continued support. 4. Contact your own Senator to advocate for these amendments. Be concise but explain why the 2.5% cap harms those you serve, particularly in less affluent areas with limited providers. Your outreach is critical to amplifying our lobbying efforts. Thank you for your support!

Congratulations to Leslie Painter, Director of Roanoke VIA Day School, for her recent election as Secretary for the VAISEF Board of Directors! Leslie brings her expertise in special education and evidence-based practices to support VAISEF's accreditation process and training opportunities. Way to go, Leslie!