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Somersworth will open talks with Rollinsford to place identified pre‑K students at Idlehurst
Summary
The Somersworth School Board agreed to pursue talks with Rollinsford to allow identified pre‑K students to attend Idlehurst Elementary in 2025–26, with draft tuition figures presented as negotiation starting points.
Administrators requested and the board agreed to begin discussions with Rollinsford for a possible one‑year tuition agreement to place identified pre‑K students in Somersworth’s Idlehurst Elementary preschool for the 2025–26 school year.
Key elements discussed
- Scope: The proposal discussed at the meeting covers only identified pre‑K students (those qualifying for special education services). The district said identified Somersworth students retain enrollment priority.
- Tuition: Administrators proposed two tuition levels as starting points for talks: $2,600 per year for a two‑day‑per‑week program and $5,000 per year for a four‑day‑per‑week program. Special‑education services and related costs for Rollinsford students would be arranged and billed separately by the sending district.
- Child‑find and special‑education oversight: MSAD 35 (the Maine district that will provide special‑education support for Rollinsford beginning July 1) would handle child‑find and coordinate special‑education eligibility and services for any Rollinsford students attending Somersworth programs. Administrators said the sending district’s child‑find process and special‑education oversight will determine eligibility under applicable state rules.
- Inclusion balance and local waitlists: District staff said Somersworth maintains a standing commitment to inclusion and a roughly 50/50 mix of identified and unidentified students in its preschool program; if Rollinsford provides identified students, the district said that does not displace local identified students and could create additional spots for Somersworth unidentified students on the waiting list.
Next steps: Administrators will meet with Rollinsford officials and return with a proposed agreement for board review and possible approval. The board did not vote to approve a contract at this meeting; it authorized staff to pursue negotiations.
