A District Leader's Guide to Funding K-12
Special Education and Mental Health Services
Funding specialized student services is one of the most complex budget challenges K-12 districts face.
This guide breaks down how federal, state, and private funding sources can be used to support special education and school-based mental health services, including when roles go unfilled.
What's inside
A District Leader’s Guide to Funding Special Education and Mental Health Services provides the essential information you need to:
- Identify which federal funding streams cover the specialized services your district is already required to provide.
- Navigate competitive grants from SAMHSA, HRSA, and state education agencies that can supplement formula funding.
- Build a case for contracted services when hard-to-staff roles go unfilled and IEP minutes are at risk.
- Explore private foundation and community grant options for populations and programs federal dollars don’t always reach.
eLuma has partnered with 500+ districts over 15+ years to keep specialized services running when hiring stalls. This guide is built for administrators who need funding clarity, not more complexity.
