District administrators presented a proposal to expand Little Cruiser — the district preschool/special‑education center — by adding six classrooms, a changing room and two therapy offices, and said the work would cost roughly $1.6–$1.7 million. Board members asked for clearer enrollment numbers, peer participation rates and financial justification before any final commitment.

Scope of the proposal: Business staff described a floor plan that would add six classrooms (each room design and staffing governed by special‑education operating standards), move indoor play space, and provide storage and two small therapy offices. Business staff estimated the project at roughly $1.6–$1.7 million.

Special‑education context and capacity: The district’s special‑education staff said they currently have 51 children in evaluation and that historically about 95% of those evaluations result in eligibility for services. Staff explained that special‑education preschool classrooms are operated with smaller maximums: interns described a model where a targeted special‑needs class holds up to 10 students with a staffing pattern of one teacher and two paraprofessionals. Staff also said the program aims for a mix of typical peers and students with disabilities to support social learning, but that the district currently has fewer typical peers than desired for that model.

Why the board paused: Board members asked for up‑to‑date counts of enrolled preschool special‑needs students and the number of students currently being served, because the expansion estimate is significant and the district’s existing classrooms were already described as ‘‘full.’’ One trustee said, ‘‘To make a $1,750,000 decision without any data to even support it, that’s kind of a problem.’’ The board asked staff to provide precise headcounts, details about peer‑slot recruitment and a revenue/expense analysis that compares the cost of expanding the center to alternatives (for example, delivering services in building‑based rooms or contracting for off‑site services).

Contract and program questions: During the meeting board members also discussed multiple out‑of‑district special‑education contracts and asked staff to separate and clarify contract renewals and amendments (for example, New Story/Empower contracts) so the board can see which costs are new and which represent rolling authorizations for ongoing placements.

Ending: The board did not approve the Little Cruiser expansion at the meeting. Trustees asked administrators to return with enrollment counts, peer recruitment plans, updated operating standards, and a financial analysis comparing expansion, leasing modular classroom options, and current itinerant service costs.