Jordan School District's special education department is staring down a $6.5 million shortfall for the 2010-11 school year. The special-ed budget, funded solely by state and federal sources, is separate from Jordan School District's general fund, which faces a $17.5 million hole.
The budget cuts mean there will be 69 fewer aides in special-ed classrooms.
Part of the special-ed deficit, $1.5 million, is due to increased retirement costs. The remaining $5 million is a result of Canyons splitting away from the district last July: About 40 percent of Jordan's special-ed students went to Canyons, taking education funding with them. The Salt Lake Tribune
