- $148 million to cover the added cost of educating an estimated 45,000 displaced students who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- $10 billion to rebuild or repair approximately 500 school buildings damaged or destroyed by Katrina. School construction and/or reconstruction is essential and would help to provide a vehicle for economic revitalization in affected communities and much-needed jobs for out-of-work residents.
- Another $200 million in aid to be used by school districts in affected areas and districts receiving new students to offset
the costs of reaching out to agencies and organizations in an effort to coordinate services to children and their families.
“The response of public school systems to this crisis has been nothing short of heroic,” Houston says. “They are actively demonstrating the critical role they play as a safety net for America’s public school children.”
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
