Superintendent briefs committee on REEDS collaborative changes; Brockton has five students enrolled, tuition changes possible

Brockton Public Schools officials told the School Committee on March 4 they received a quarterly report and a notice from the REEDS collaborative indicating upcoming changes to its deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) program and a projected tuition increase for member districts.

What was said: Dr. Tihliani and special education staff said REEDS is planning to centralize or purchase a dedicated facility to house growing DHH enrollments rather than continue to operate spread across multiple host districts. The district was advised the move "is not anticipated to impact member districts financially" in a broad sense but that REEDS projects an increase in tuition for the DHH program; Brockton currently has five students enrolled in that strand. The collaborative will notify member districts of the specific tuition adjustment after it secures a location and finalizes lease and rental costs.

Why it matters: Committee members sought clarification about where students attend (REEDS program sites off‑campus), transportation arrangements (the district buses REEDS students, often using contracted vans), and how an increase in tuition or additional transportation needs would affect Brockton’s fiscal projections for FY2026. Dr. Lobelwa (special education/senior staff) said REEDS offers programs for a range of disabilities and that, while Brockton prioritizes inclusion in district schools, some students’ needs may require placement in specialized collaborative settings based on family preference and program appropriateness.

Next steps: District staff said they will inform the committee once REEDS finalizes facility plans and tuition calculations. The superintendent noted the district had joined REEDS this year to gain member rates and access to priority assessment services (the membership includes a commitment to purchase a number of neuropsychological evaluations annually).