Connellsville Area SD places several special-education service contracts on agenda; some rates rise

Mr. Harsfield presented a series of special-education service agreements and asked the board to place them on the agenda for formal consideration. Items included an annual tuition agreement with Colliene Heights at $34,245 for the 2025-26 school year (previously $31,126), a semester rate with Presley Ridge quoted at $21,400 (prior year $20,400), and a partial hospitalization program (PHP) agreement through Intermediate Unit 1 at $154.15 per day for education and $183.89 per day for mental-health services based on an enrollment assumption of 10 students. Mr. Harsfield also presented a New Story Schools daily rate of $350 (previous year $339) and requested placement of a Chestnut Ridge behavioral health services agreement for the 2025-26 year.

The matters are significant for student services and district budgeting because the agreements represent placements and per-student costs for students requiring specialized settings or mental-health supports. Board members asked one clarifying question about whether a quoted amount was per student (the presenter confirmed those figures were per student/per student-day where so described). No final approvals were recorded at the meeting; each item was moved to be placed on a future agenda for board review and formal action.

The special-education committee meeting schedule was noted (a committee meeting was held on 06/05/2025 at 2:00 p.m. per the transcript) and presenters emphasized that the agreements are subject to the district's standard terms and conditions.