Cromwell board hears $335,000 in new special‑education encumbrances; district explores running its own transportation to contain outplacement costs

Cromwell School District officials told the school board that the district has encumbered an additional $335,000 to meet new special‑education service and transportation needs, and members discussed both state legislative fixes and the prospect of the district operating its own vehicles to reduce costs.

The district's director of finance, Mr. Boutwell, told the board the extra encumbrance was to “meet new service and transportation needs for some of our special ed students.” He said the district is also continuing to refine projections for state excess‑cost contributions and reimbursements tied to students who attend choice programs, and that some reimbursements remain uncertain pending state confirmation.

Why it matters: board members said the district faces unpredictable, high outplacement bills that can strain the annual budget. Superintendent Dr. Macri said the district was cut $81,494 in the most recent budget process after requesting a 6.25% increase and receiving a 6.03% increase, and that the district will absorb some of that reduction from…