‘Heartbroken’: Parents raise concerns over HDESD cuts affecting children with disabilities
Jillian Fortner
(Update: Adding video, adding comments from parents, HDESD statement)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Parents, caregivers, and teachers are urging the High Desert Education Service District to reconsider budget cuts that would reduce services for children with special needs.
“Recently, the HDESD Board approved a budget for the 2025–2026 school year that reflects the difficult reality of a substantial funding shortfall in our Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program,” said HDESD Communication Strategist, Linda Quon.
If the budget hadn’t passed by June 30, the regional provider that offers early intervention, special education, and support services for children up to age 5 risked losing all of its funding.
The early intervention/early childhood special education is a grant-funded program.
Tiffany Nusser’s daughter, Adelynn, who is autistic and nonverbal, is one of the children impacted. Nusser says the cuts may reduce her classroom time from three days a week to two.
“I was heartbroken when they said that they’re passing that budget.” said Adelynn’s mother, Tiffany Nusser.
The changes mean fewer staff members, including Adelynn’s teacher, with whom she’s formed a strong bond at the Alyce Hatch Center.
“I get emotional… she’ll just think someone is gone at preschool. She’ll show up there and expect to see her teacher and she won’t be there anymore. I’m unsure what that will be like for her,” Nusser said.
Jennifer Underhill says she’s disappointed by the budget cuts, noting that school has played a vital role in her son Grayson’s development.
“He started going to Alyce Hatch when he was 3, and we’ve seen a significant difference in his social skills and intentional play,” said Grayson’s mom, Jennifer Underhill.
She’s worried about what next year will bring without the same level of support.
“Especially kiddos like Grayson that need someone to help him … he really needs one-on-one support,” Underhill said. “He won’t have that when he goes back next year.”
The High Desert Education Service District says it understands families’ concerns and remains committed to supporting students. They’re working to redesign how services are delivered to adapt to ongoing funding challenges.
Here’s the full statement from High Desert Education Service District:
MEDIA STATEMENT: Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Program Budget Reductions
June 23, 2025
At High Desert Education Service District (HDESD), the well-being and growth of the children and families we serve are fundamental to everything we do. Recently, the HDESD Board approved a budget for the 2025–2026 school year that reflects the difficult reality of a substantial funding shortfall in our Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program. This challenge is largely driven by projected flat federal funding levels and increased operational costs.
We recognize and deeply understand the concerns raised by parents and community members. These concerns are shared by our leadership, educators, and staff, many of whom have dedicated their careers to serving children with disabilities and their families.
While some changes to staffing and service delivery are necessary, our unwavering commitment is to maintain high-quality, individualized support for all eligible children. We are working diligently to redesign how we deliver these services so that we can preserve essential supports while being fiscally responsible. Key changes include:
Maintaining core services across all age groups, with some adjustments to frequency or method of delivery.
Prioritizing early learning and family engagement, including expanded parent coaching and support options.
Strengthening community partnerships to continue services in preschool and childcare settings.
These shifts will allow us to continue supporting children in ways that are meaningful and effective, while adapting to the current funding climate. We believe in the foundational principle that “special education is a service, not a place,” and will continue to focus on inclusion, development, and readiness for kindergarten.
We are communicating transparently with families about these changes and will continue to offer updates, opportunities for engagement, and support throughout this transition.
We are grateful to the families and educators who are standing with us in our mission to help every child learn, grow, and thrive.