New Mexico Special Education Spending Drops

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's state spending on special education will drop by more than $7 million in the coming budget year

The Albuquerque Journal reports that the Public Education Department made the announcement Friday and said the move is likely due to better record-keeping from school districts, which saves money by ensuring schools are only funded for special education students they actually serve.

Public education in New Mexico is funded based on student enrollment. Districts receive money for each student they enroll, and receive more for students who are learning English or receive special education services. So if more students are classified as needing special education, districts receive more money.

State education chief Hanna Skandera said that districts have gone "the extra mile" to make sure their data is accurate.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.