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Cromwell board hears budget squeeze as special-education and transportation costs rise
Summary
Superintendent reported the district was effectively cut $81,494 after requesting a 6.25% increase and receiving 6.03%; finance director said the district encumbered $335,000 for new special-education services and transportation, prompting discussion of district-run vehicles as a long-term cost solution.
The Cromwell School District board on Monday heard that the district’s requested budget increase was reduced, with the superintendent saying the net effect was a cut of $81,494 even after the board was granted a 6.03% increase.
“we were cut $81,494. We went in asking for a 6.25, and we, were granted a 6.03%,” Superintendent Dr. Macri said, adding that some of the difference will be managed through utility line adjustments.
Why it matters: board members and the finance director said rising special-education costs and transportation for outplaced students are the leading drivers of the shortfall. Director of finance Mr. Butwell told the board the district had encumbered an additional $335,000 to meet new special-education service and transportation needs this year.
“We have been collaborating with our district leadership, and... since our last update, we've encumbered an additional $335,000 to meet new service and transportation needs for some of our special ed students,” Mr. Butwell said during the finance presentation.
Board members described specific, high-cost cases. The superintendent and other members cited an example in which transportation for a single outplaced student approached $72,000, which prompted a discussion of longer-term solutions.
Several members proposed exploring district-operated vehicles. The board considered starting small — a pilot fleet of several 10-passenger vans — and potentially leasing or contracting out excess capacity to neighboring towns, a model some districts have used to reduce long-term costs. Members raised practical constraints including specialized equipment, insurance, staffing shortages for drivers and monitors, and the upfront capital required.
“I do think that if we did invest in 10 passenger vans, about 5 of them... in 5 years, we would see the benefit,” Dr. Macri said, while others warned that transporting medically fragile students would add regulatory and insurance complexity.
What happens next: board members asked administration to return in June with further analysis after state legislative activity and additional budget details are clearer. The board flagged transportation as a topic for follow-up once potential state policy changes and more complete reimbursement information are available.
