Metro

Big special-ed tab

Several thousand learning-disabled city students get reimbursed by taxpayers for private educations after their parents contend public schools do not meet their needs.

The cost of such “Carter cases” jumped from $144 million in 2009 to $235 million last year, the Independent Budget Office says.

They stem from a 1993 US Supreme Court ruling for a South Carolina girl, Shannon Carter, who was failing in public school. Her parents put her in a private school, where she thrived, and sued for tuition.

More city parents are following suit.

Private-school tuition ranges from $30,000 to six figures, depending on the disability. Parents also collect legal fees.

“You can’t get a penny until you prove in court the city failed the student,” said lawyer Gary Mayerson.

In 2007, the high court ruled the city had to pay Tom Freston, the multimillionaire Viacom CEO, $37,000 a year for his son’s private school, even after he refused a placement in a top public school.

A bill on Gov. Cuomo’s desk could cost taxpayers more. It would require “home life and family background’’ be considered in special-ed placements.

Critics say parents could cite food or clothing customs to argue religious schools better serve their kids.