Waterbury approves $6.3M agreement for cooperative special education services

The Waterbury Board of Education convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss several key agreements related to special education placements for students with disabilities. The meeting focused on the approval of contracts with various service providers, all set to commence on July 1, 2025, and conclude on June 30, 2028.

The first item on the agenda was the approval of an agreement between the City of Waterbury Public Schools and Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES). This contract, valued at $6,300,272, is the largest of the agreements discussed and will cover the needs of 21 students across six sites operated by ACES. Funding for this contract will be sourced from general funds.

Following this, the Board reviewed a second agreement with Aspire Living and Learning, which will cater to the needs of 10 students currently placed there. The contract amount for this agreement is $3,866,900.

Additionally, the Board considered an agreement with Ben Haven Inc., another out-of-district special education placement aimed at supporting students with disabilities. The specifics of this contract were not detailed in the transcript.

Lastly, the Board discussed a contract with Grama Stones Behavioral Services, also intended for out-of-district special education placements. The details regarding the number of students or financial implications were not provided.

In summary, the meeting underscored the Board's commitment to securing necessary educational services for students with disabilities through these significant agreements, ensuring that appropriate resources are in place for the upcoming school years. Further actions and approvals will be monitored as the contracts are finalized.