In the midst of national discussions about the future of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and critical funding for Special Education programs, one local leader is making her voice and the voices of thousands of special needs students across United Independent School District (UISD) heard in the nation’s capital.
UISD Board Secretary and District 6 Board Member, Michelle Molina, recently traveled to Washington D.C. where she met with lawmakers to advocate for continued and increased support for children with special needs. As both a public servant and a mother of a child with special needs, the mission is deeply personal for her. “The opportunity was there to meet with lawmakers and explain the impact of these decisions in-depth,” Molina said. “It was crucial for me to set time aside from my work trip and speak up not just for my daughter, but for our UISD families whose children rely on special education (SPED) and related services.”
Board Member Molina’s visit came amid growing concern over proposed cuts to federal funding directly impacting SPED programs, services and staff within the Structured Language Center (SLC Unit). A move that some argue could disproportionately affect the quality of education for students requiring special education. She scheduled meetings with several representatives, including Congressman Henry Cuellar, to address the urgent need for sustained funding. Molina explained how essential programs like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provide critical funding for services such as speech, occupational and physical therapy, services that are life-changing for students and families, yet costly to provide independently.
“I can tell you firsthand, those services are expensive and they do add up when your child needs all three services maybe a couple of times a week. You’re talking about thousands of dollars a month,” Molina said. “So, that is where the school district comes in and supports families through those federal funds. The better we can understand the needs of our students the better we can support them.”
She emphasized that early intervention is a cornerstone of student success and is heavily reliant on those federal dollars. “By law we must provide these services, and I can tell you as a district, we will continue to provide all services for our students.” she affirmed.
Boardmemeber Molina also joined Congressman Henry Cuellar during a virtual town hall where the Congressman echoed the sentiment felt by many in his district. "During my virtual town hall, I heard directly from parents, educators, and school board members, like Michelle Molina, who are alarmed by efforts to dismantle the Department of Education,” said Cuellar. “They understand that doing so would lead to overcrowded classrooms, fewer resources, and devastating cuts to vital programs that serve students with disabilities and families in need. I will always advocate for and stand with our communities in protecting the future of public education.”
Our district’s growing prevalence of diagnosis like down syndrome, dyslexia, and social-emotional needs has made the demand for services even greater. Data shows the number of students needing or receiving special education services continues to steadily increase each year.
“If at the end of the day, Representatives from both branches can come together to not only sustain current funding but prioritize more financial support, that’s the most we can ask for,” said Molina. “Let’s advocate, we are in dire need of more support for children with special needs.”
“These are the types of leaders that we need serving our community. Leaders like Michelle who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get into the trenches to advocate not only for her family, but the needs of children in our communities,” said UISD Board President, Javier Montemayor, Jr. “I commend her for her fight and I hope that her voice will impact lawmakers' decisions.”
Despite President Trump's executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, Cuellar stressed that it takes an act of Congress to do so.
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