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Special education services in Washington to remain intact amid federal layoffs

Photo: Metro Services


OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The state’s special education services will remain intact amid federal layoffs at the Department of Education.

The White House announced earlier this week that it’s firing 466 workers at the department, including most of the remaining staff in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

Those firings are on hold after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s mass layoffs during the government shutdown.

Meanwhile, Washington State Superintendent Christ Reykdal said in a statement Monday that his office hasn’t received any indication that any federal funds are at risk for local school districts.

Washington school districts receive $275 million in annual funding from the department to support its special education services.

Reykdal says those funds are still available but warns they could be at risk. He’s urging Congress to step in before any critical programs are cut. 

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