Christy Balvin, RSU 22's director of special services, told the board that the state is shifting responsibility for early childhood special education from Child Development Services (CDS) to public school administrative units and that RSU 22 plans to join the Maine Department of Education cohort 3 in the 2026 school year to assume services for 4-year-olds.

"The Maine Department of Education is committed to funding at 100% at this time," Balvin said, describing a funding formula that yields an initial allocation when a district joins and additional adjustments after child-count dates during the year. She told the board the transition is being phased statewide between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2028 and that the district intends to take on 4-year-olds first (FY 2026) and add 3-year-olds in FY 2027.

Balvin outlined operational implications: RSU 22 must address classroom space, transportation for younger children, student-record and special-education data systems, professional-development needs and certification for staff who will serve younger children. She said the district currently identifies a small number of children through CDS (14 three-year-olds at the time of her presentation) but expects those counts to rise as families are assessed.

Board members asked for budget and logistical detail. One member said the board needed a clear funding formula from the state; Balvin said she had requested a draft allocation and would work with district finance staff to produce a projected budget. On whether the state allocation covers high-cost out-of-district placements, Balvin said the Department of Education's guidance includes funding for those placements.

After discussion and requests for more allocation detail, the board approved a motion to enter Maine DOE cohort 3 for the 2026 school year with a phased approach for 4-year-olds in 2026 and 3-year-olds in 2027. The motion carried unanimously.