School Board Explores In-House Placement Solutions for Out-of-District Students

The Nezinscot Budget Information Meeting held on May 19, 2025, by RSU 10 focused on critical budgetary challenges and innovative solutions for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting addressed various factors influencing the budget, including staffing shortages, rising medical insurance costs, and the need for in-district services.

The discussion began with an overview of budget reductions, highlighting that some positions had been left unfilled, which contributed to lower expenditures. However, the primary concern raised was the ongoing staffing crisis. It was noted that the district's ability to provide necessary programs is hampered by a lack of qualified personnel, which has led to temporary closures of programs in certain regions. The urgency of addressing staffing needs was emphasized, as it poses both operational and legal challenges for the district.

A significant point of discussion was the increasing costs associated with out-of-district placements for students requiring specialized services. The district expressed a strong desire to explore options for providing these services internally to reduce reliance on external placements.

Kristen, a board member, proposed a potential solution to this issue. She suggested the idea of creating an in-house out-of-district placement program by utilizing space in a former police department building in Mexico, once the sixth graders transition to a new facility. This plan would involve contracting with an external provider to supply the necessary staffing and services, thereby alleviating the district's staffing burden. The proposal was met with interest, and further discussions on this idea are anticipated.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for innovative approaches to address staffing and service delivery challenges. The board plans to continue exploring options that could enhance the district's ability to serve its students effectively while managing budget constraints.