Description
The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking proposals from qualified public or private entities to conduct a comprehensive, independent study of funding for special education in the State of Maryland. The study is mandated by House Bill 504 - Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act, Section 5, enacted during Maryland’s 2025 Legislative Session. The selected contractor will review and make recommendations on the costs of special education in the State, rising costs of special education for prekindergarten students, implications of design assumptions in the existing special education funding structure, and establishment of a system of multiple weights for special education funding. The contractor will also evaluate funding methodologies and determine appropriate funding levels to enable all students with disabilities to achieve grade-level standards.
• The contractor will provide a detailed project schedule, monthly progress reports, and monthly meetings with representatives of MSDE.
• The contractor will submit a draft report for review by October 1, 2026, and a final report by October 15, 2026.
• The contractor will have a project manager, special education program expert, and education finance expert.
• The contractor will cooperate in the orderly transition of services from it to a subsequent contractor at the end of the contract term or upon receipt of a Notice of Termination from the State.