Folkschools (the Danish public school system) in Aarhus are facing a significant financial challenge regarding special education. According to the councilor for Children and Youth, Thomas Medom (Socialist People’s Party – Socialdemokratiet), there is an urgent shortage of funds to manage the increasing number of children requiring special education. A new analysis from the Department for Children and Youth has revealed that by the end of the year, there is expected to be a deficit of 110 million Danish kroner (approximately $16 million USD) in the special education sector.

Thomas Medom emphasizes that Aarhus spends less on special education compared to most other Danish municipalities. This financial shortfall is forcing schools to reallocate their budgets, taking resources from other areas, including support for students in mainstream education who are close to needing special assistance. If a significant amount of funding, in the triple-digit millions, is not injected into this area, the preventive support services in mainstream education could become depleted, warns Medom.

The consequences of the current economic situation may mean that children who could potentially thrive within the existing educational framework with some additional support will instead end up being referred to special programs, according to Thomas Medom. This highlights the urgent need for a rapid and substantial financial investment to ensure that all children in Aarhus receive the support they need to thrive and learn effectively.