The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking a qualified public or private entity to conduct a comprehensive, independent study of funding for special education in the State of Maryland. The study is mandated by House Bill 504 - Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act, Section 5, enacted during Maryland’s 2025 Legislative Session. The selected contractor will review the methodology used to estimate the cost of providing an adequate education to students with disabilities in special education and make recommendations regarding the appropriate level of funding for special education students in Maryland. The contractor will also propose one or more funding models and recommend funding levels that would enable all students with disabilities to meet grade-level standards. • Conduct a comprehensive, independent study of funding for special education in Maryland • Review the methodology used to estimate the cost of providing an adequate education to students with disabilities • Make recommendations regarding the appropriate level of funding for special education students in Maryland • Propose one or more funding models • Recommend funding levels that would enable all students with disabilities to meet grade-level standards • Seek regular input from stakeholders, including county boards of education, nonpublic special education schools, special education advocates, and special education organizations