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Litchfield school leaders warn special-education costs and utilities could push reserves below policy targets
Summary
CFO Michael Vaughn told the Litchfield Elementary School District board that special-education costs and rising utilities are driving projected M&O overspending of $3.9M–$4.5M; he recommended a short-term shift of $500,000 to Medicaid and targeted expense reductions to protect reserves.
Litchfield Elementary School District officials told trustees on Nov. 18 that special-education costs and higher-than-expected payroll and utility expenses are placing growing pressure on the district’s operating budget.
In a data-heavy presentation, CFO Michael Vaughn said the district is forecasting an overspend of between $3.9 million and $4.5 million on maintenance and operations (M&O) recurring resources for 2026. He said special-education services — especially contracted staff and tuition for students placed outside the district — are a primary driver. “Special education costs are actually on track to be 2,000,000 over from last year,” Vaughn said.
Why it matters: the district’s board policy and the Governmental Finance…
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