Declining enrollment in the Little Rock School District has prompted budget cuts. With decreased numbers, officials have turned their focus to the Special Education Department.

District officials have set a 12 to15 million dollar cut that will be implemented during the 2026-27 school year in order to off-set the 29 million dollar gap between special education funding and expenses.

Out of that cut, our school-specific budget is predicted to be reduced $549,000 while other schools across the district will not be affected.

The decision has raised concerns between both educators and families particularly regarding staffing and resources available for the students. Barbara DeLoney, head of the special education department and head cheer coach, said there are around 250 students on campus supported by 15 teachers in the department.

These teachers provide specialized services to each individual and work to accommodate the students’ unique needs.

The cuts will impact one-to-one paraprofessionals, staff positions, and student services, which can impact students and their families. With fewer resources, students will have limited attention from teachers.

Our school in particular has multiple resources for those who will be directly impacted by the cuts.

“We provide services to kids that need extra help in the classroom,” DeLoney said. “They have modifications that they use in a classroom to help them. We also have to meet with the parents, at least once a year, to make sure we go over their plan.”

Even outside of school, teachers are working to make sure students have an easier transition from high school and into the work force.

“When they’re getting ready to graduate, we meet with different agencies to let them know what is out there for them,” DeLoney said. “[It’s] about housing and job opportunities and things like that.”

Despite concerns over the budget cuts, DeLoney said the department will remain committed to helping the students.

“Hopefully they won’t cut our department. We will still do the best job we can for the kids to make sure that they have the things that they need,” DeLoney said. “I have been doing this for 42 years, and we do what’s best for the kids however we can.”