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Holliston administrators present special-education budget update; tuition and transportation drive uncertainty
Summary
District leaders presented a conservative fiscal projection for special education in FY26, saying tuition and transportation increases are the principal drivers of variance from May projections. Administrators proposed monitoring placements and recommended a possible executive session for sensitive placement details.
Holliston — Administrators presented the first portion of the Holliston Public Schools FY26 budget process focused on special education, saying the district’s conservative projection shows a modest decrease overall from FY25 but notable volatility driven by out‑of‑district tuition increases and transportation costs.
At the Jan. 9 meeting the administration said its January projection for special-education tuition is approximately $1.393 million. Presenters noted last year included a $750,000 one‑time fund, and that excluding that one‑time amount the FY26 tuition projection represents a modest reduction from FY25 but remains a moving target as placement and vendor rate notices arrive.
Why it matters: Special-education tuition (out‑of‑district placements) and specialized transportation together account for the largest variable costs in the special education budget. Administrators said two out‑of‑district programs notified the district of steep tuition increases (37% and 18% in the examples cited), and that small changes in placements can materially affect the budget.
Administration’s explanation and mitigation steps: The administration said it is reducing out‑of‑district counts through strengthened in‑district programming and partnerships with neighboring districts, and is pursuing transportation cost‑sharing and “ride‑share” arrangements where possible. The district also reduces reliance on livery services and is pursuing state reimbursement options where families can provide transportation and the district seeks reimbursement. The administration said it expects to have more definitive tuition and transportation figures by early spring once placements and vendor rates are confirmed.
Committee questions and follow-up: Committee members asked which line items might shift materially; administration replied tuition and transportation are the most significant and most volatile. Administrators proposed coming back to the committee in early spring with firm tuition encumbrances and to schedule executive session time if necessary to discuss placement specifics that cannot be publicly shared.
The administration also credited special-education staff, transportation coordinators and maintenance for managing services while placing emphasis on monitoring placements and procurement schedules so the budget reflects actual encumbrances as the year progresses.
No formal budget vote was taken at the Jan. 9 meeting; the committee’s budget subcommittee will continue to review projections and will meet again in mid‑January and early spring with updated figures.
