San Diego Unified School District leaders announced plans Tuesday to fix “systemic” issues in its special education program.

“We are looking to redesign our system with one purpose to ensure every student with a disability has access to meaningful learning, timely support and a safe and inclusive environment,” said Superintendent Fabi Bagula.

The district is facing a projected $47 million budget deficit for next school year.

Chronic underfunding of special education from the state and federal government is financially straining the district, Bagula said. They're advocating for more funding from both of those sources.

“I’m bringing up this issue now because actually we should of brought it up a long time ago. This has been a problem for a very long time,” Bagula said.

Special education

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