Parents worried about special education in South Country during budget cuts

May 31, 2026 - 08:19

Melissa Dipasquale says her three autistic daughters are not getting the help they need. She is one of several parents in the South Country Central School District who are speaking out as the district faces major budget cuts. The proposed reductions could change how special education services are delivered, and families are worried.

Dipasquale told the school board that her children have lost access to key therapies and support staff. She said the district has reduced one-on-one aide time and cut back on speech and occupational therapy sessions. Without these services, she fears her daughters will fall behind both academically and socially.

The district is dealing with a significant budget gap. Officials have pointed to rising costs, declining enrollment, and limited state aid as reasons for the cuts. While they have not confirmed exactly which special education programs will be trimmed, parents say the impact is already visible. Some report longer wait times for evaluations and fewer classroom resources for students with disabilities.

Other parents echoed Dipasquale's concerns at a recent board meeting. They argued that special education is not a luxury but a legal requirement. Under federal law, schools must provide a free and appropriate public education to all students, including those with disabilities. Parents worry that budget pressures are pushing the district to cut corners.

The school board has promised to review the budget before a final vote. But for families like Dipasquale's, the damage may already be done. She says her daughters are struggling, and she does not know how much longer they can wait for the district to fix the problem.