Councilor at Large candidates in Salem, Massachusetts were recently interviewed on their thoughts about special education resources in Salem schools. Darek Barcikowski noted that 25% of the student population in Salem is currently enrolled in some form of special education program. This is one of the highest rates in the state, and dramatically higher than the rate in Boston of 6%.

These programs are necessary for students to be able to achieve standard educational goals, but they are also a lot more expensive than traditional educational programs. They require a higher share of state resources, including higher paid teachers and special coordinators which draw salaries in excess of $10000 per year. He believes that in some cases students are misdiagnosed as needing special education services, which puts an undue tax burden on city residents and does not benefit those students.