Special-session agenda taking shape

The special-education bill, known as the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarships, would have provided some $4,400 to parents to send students with disabilities to private schools. Opponents called it nothing more than a voucher that would drain money from public schools.

Walker instead proposed giving the $1.4 million set aside for the program to the State Board of Education, where it would be used to contract with private schools, including the Carmen B. Pingree School for Children with Autism in Salt Lake City.

That idea has not gone over well with lawmakers. Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, said the governor's plan would only get money to parents whose children attend schools in the Salt Lake area.

"It just drives me crazy," Hickman said after an aide to the governor presented the plan to GOP senators. "There are children throughout the state that need that kind of services who cannot attend these select schools."

Covington said the governor and the legislative leaders "determined it would be brought up in the general session in January. If it gets resolved, they're committed to making it effective for the school year."

State Board of Education Chairman Kim Burningham said he was glad to hear the funding may yet be available to parents of special-needs children.

"I'm sure it is very frustrating for those families," he said. "We want to do everything in our power to reach a solution."

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