State officials push to shift special education to schools

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine education officials are exploring shifting special education services for 3-to-5-year-olds from the state to local school districts.

The Portland Press Herald reports (http://bit.ly/2fkKi4u ) the Department of Education sent a memo announcing the proposal to districts last week.

Education Commissioner Bob Hasson says the current system is suffering from a lack of funding and a shortage of special education providers.

Under the proposal, schools will take on more responsibilities such as finding the children and creating individual education plans.

Many superintendents meetings say they support the plan.