Lawmakers probe special education, 'option enrollment' among Nebraska school districts

Lawmakers are exploring how to help more students who require special education take part in a Nebraska program that allows families the option to enroll in a different public school district.

State Sens. Dave Murman of Glenvil and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln each brought interim studies to probe the issue and better support students who need special education services and might be on individualized education plans, or IEPs. The study came Thursday as part of Legislative Resolutions 320 (from Conrad) and 425 (from Murman).

Murman described the study as a way to ensure every child gets their "fair chance" as a focus of the Education Committee, which Murman chairs.

The study also came after a Nebraska Department of Education report in August that about 86% of students who applied for "option enrollment" were accepted into the district of their choice. Among the 14% denied, a portion were students on IEPs.