Stratford School District reports about $2.8 million special-education shortfall, seeks state high-cost reimbursement

The Stratford School District’s finance report presented at the Dec. 16 finance committee meeting showed a projected deficit of about $2,800,000 in the special-education clinical cost account and roughly $130,000 in the special-education transportation account.

District staff told the committee they have taken interim steps to limit spending — including freezing nonessential textbook purchases — and have entered preliminary data into the state high-cost (CDAC) report to seek additional reimbursement from the town’s estimated revenue stream. The report noted savings in salaries, benefits and fuel that may partially offset the shortfall but said those savings alone are unlikely to cover the total deficit.

Why it matters: Special-education costs are the largest driver of the district’s projected deficit this fiscal year and, if unreimbursed, could require transfers or other budget actions. Committee members were told the district will update…