RSU 5 reports spike in special‑education needs; reserve to cover nursing, placements and contracted therapy

Superintendent Jean told the RSU 5 board on June 11 that recent special‑education developments after the district’s March budget will require drawing on the Article 2 special‑education reserve for several unplanned needs, and the board approved summer hiring authority to keep staffing moving.

Jean said the reserve exists for “emergency break glass” needs. She reported a recent increase in complex special‑education referrals and new student registrations, including a student whose individualized education program (IEP) requires one‑on‑one nursing services and a student who will need an out‑of‑district placement because district programs cannot meet the child’s needs. Jean estimated an out‑of‑district placement could cost anywhere from $50,000 to $90,000, depending on location.

Jean also said the district will need a teacher of the deaf for one…