OMB director: Fiscal board expected to approve $100 million for special ed.

By THE STAR STAFF

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Executive Director Orlando Rivera Berríos said Thursday that the Financial Oversight and Management Board should be approving $100 million this week to cover payments to special education service academies.

In a radio interview, Rivera stated that he is concerned about how a $5 billion budget for the Department of Education is facing such “pressing” needs, and that he will personally evaluate the use of resources within the agency.

“Our commitment is to identify those funds in the 2027 budget,” the official said. “Specifically, the Special Education area is being allocated an additional $20 million compared to 2026, so we are waiting for the board to approve the $100 million request to address this issue.”

The official added that the oversight board is expected to approve rescheduling the $100 million before the end of the week to address the outstanding payments.

Rivera’s reaction came after complaints from special education academies alleging that the Department of Education owes them millions of dollars, leading several centers to warn that they could suspend or cease services at the end of May if they do not receive payment.