Most districts are facing severe budgetary constraints, and special education is one area that is feeling the effects. Special education consumes an average of 20%-30% of school district budgets. Pacing fiscal and systemic controls on special-education spending, and examining para professional placements in particular, will lead to better delivery of services to students while stretching limited resources. School business officials can play an important role in this systemic oversight. The authors suggest that a more efficient process for assigning paraprofessionals may save money and provide better accountability for school districts. By being a part of the conversation, school business officials can help ensure that the needs of special-education students' are met in a cost-effective way.