Queens, NY –Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Flushing) commends legislative efforts to support the state’s special education. The 3.8 percent increase in reimbursement rates comes after legislators and schools, who work closely with children with special needs, fought for increased funding during this year’s budget negotiations.

“Securing vital funding to provide these institutions with the necessary resources to successfully serve students with special needs is absolutely essential. Queens’ children and families rely on these schools for assistance both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Assemblywoman Rozic.

The Lowell School in Flushing in Rozic’s district is an 853 School that is set to benefit from the reimbursement rate increase. Rozic co-signed a letter to the Governor urging him to adopt the State Education Department’s recommendations to provide immediate fiscal support and address the inefficiencies with the current tuition rate methodology. The Governor recently announced an agreement to increase reimbursement rates.

Principal Susan Klein stated: “On behalf of everyone at The Lowell School, I want to thank Assemblywoman Rozic for her efforts to increase reimbursement rates for special education schools. The additional funds will help provide our students the necessary resources to succeed, specifically in technology and the cost to transition to the New York State Common Core Curriculum.”

As a result of this tuition increase, both 853 Schools and Special Act School Districts will be better able to serve the students and their families who rely on the support that is difficult to receive in traditional school settings.

“This increase is the first step in recovering many of the resources schools have cut back due to budget constraints. Students should not have to pay the price of losing out on invaluable learning because of insufficient funding.” Rozic added.

There are currently more than 120 853 Schools and 10 Special Act School Districts throughout New York State. Over the past several years, these schools have faced many fiscal challenges that have interfered with their ability to provide students with quality education. Since 2008, tuition rates have been frozen and state legislation intended to help districts in need was vetoed.