# Schools Pay Millions for Special Ed Failures

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/durham-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7569659/schools-pay-millions-for-special-ed-failures
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/durham-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7569659/schools-pay-millions-for-special-ed-failures.md
Podcast: [Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/durham-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7569659)
Published: 2026-06-22T09:36:20+00:00
Episode link: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/8d2a1780-f2d2-4516-a6c8-3d5c3101baac.mp3
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Duration seconds: 98

## Resource

Over $2 million in settlements have been paid by Wake County schools in just 18 months due to special education disputes — including a major $200K payout to Saleh Ahmad’s family after a judge ruled the district wrongly tried to move him from his school. Saleh, an eight-year-old with serious medical needs, was denied proper support, prompting his mother to fight for his rights — even as the district claimed he posed a danger, a claim the judge questioned given his physical limitations. Despite rejecting cuts to special education staff, the district blames rising student needs and staffing shortages for the surge in cases — many settled with confidentiality agreements. The settlement will fund Saleh’s private school education, helping him catch up academically and developmentally, while his mother hopes their story inspires other families to stand up for their children’s rights. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/d1d4a53c4501ced8

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