/ Modified dec 3, 2018 9:29 a.m.

Minimum Wage Increase, Special Ed Demand Strain Public School Funds

A discussion with Pima County School Superintendent Dustin Williams.

Pima County School Superintendent Dustin Williams was named to Superintendent-elect Hoffman's transition team this week. Just prior to the announcement, Williams shared some of the issues he hopes state lawmakers consider as they determine a budget for the next fiscal year. Specifically, Williams explained how minimum wage increases and a growing demand for special education have strained resources in public school districts.

"The cost that it takes to deliver that support for that education and those students is an astronomical number," Williams said. "I have a district school right now with about 20 special needs students in that classroom, and that classroom for that year is going to cost me about half a million dollars."

Arizona 360
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