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Westborough establishes special education reserve fund to smooth out-of-district tuition spikes
Summary
Town approved Article 5 to accept G.L. c.40, §13E and transfer $150,000 from overlay surplus to create a dedicated Special Education Reserve Fund capped at 2% of net annual spending; Superintendent Allison Borchers explained Circuit Breaker limits and the risk of sudden tuition spikes.
Town meeting voted to establish a Special Education Reserve Fund under state law meant to reduce budget instability caused by unpredictable out-of-district special education tuition and transportation costs.
Yakov Moskal moved Article 5 to accept the provisions of General Laws Chapter 40, Section 13E and appropriate $150,000 from overlay surplus into the reserve. Superintendent Allison Borchers explained that out-of-district tuition can vary dramatically — she cited a typical range of $70,000 for collaborative placements up to $250,000 or more per year for private placements — and that state Circuit Breaker reimbursements often lag by a year, creating sudden shortfalls.
Borchers said the reserve is “designed only for this one purpose” and requires dual approval by the school committee and the select board to spend funds. She added the fund is capped at 2% of annual net school spending and is safeguarded against being used as a backdoor budget increase.
Supporters argued the fund would help avoid emergency town meeting supplemental appropriations; opponents questioned funding choices and timing. The motion carried by majority: 252 in favor and 80 opposed.
What’s next: the reserve is established; future annual or special town meeting votes will be needed to fund it further or to expend its balance under the dual-approval oversight spelled out in state law.
