North Middlesex leaders propose three special‑education hires as IEP caseloads and costs rise

Superintendent Morgan told the North Middlesex Regional School Committee finance subcommittee on Oct. 25 that the district is facing rising elementary special‑education needs — particularly at Varnum Brook — and plans to add three positions to address safety, instructional support and compliance.

“We have posted 2 additional behavior techs in that building. Currently, there are 2, and they are not able to address the number of issues that arise over the course of the day. ... They definitely need to be doubled, in our estimation at this point,” Superintendent Morgan said. He added the district is considering moving one special‑education administrator to a more hands‑on role in classrooms and hiring or backfilling to maintain supervisory coverage.

The district estimated the short‑term cost for the two behavior technicians and the administrator at about $170,000, excluding benefits, with “the behavior techs are around 30, and the administrator is around a 100,…