Huntley parents speak out on special ed needs

After state lawmakers passed a makeshift budget slashing funding for social services last month, the beneficiaries of those services sent policymakers a message: Don't balance your budget on the backs of the neediest.

On Wednesday, at a meeting between special education parents and Huntley Unit District 158 officials, the message was the same.

District 158 officials pointed out they are facing a tight budget this year, brought on by the state budget crisis as well as a minimal increase in tax revenue and new contracts with district employees.

But parents said a more important principle was at stake.

"We're very aware of what's going on in Springfield," said Linda Betzold, mother of a 13-year-old with autism. "But this money is a one-time gift. We believe it's a gift to kids with (special needs). It's a gift to our children. I don't think it's a gift to balance the budget."

At issue is whether District 158 officials should use half of the $1.6 million in federal stimulus money the district expects to receive to pay for expenses unrelated to special education.

The $1.6 million is earmarked for special education, but Illinois education officials say school districts can spend up to half of that in other areas.

District administrators, as they noted Wednesday, have already had to make significant cuts in building maintenance and technology to balance the 2009-10 budget.