Parent urges district to prioritize mandated special‑education services and question reliance on BOCES

During public comment Timothy Vai, a parent with three children in the district, told the board he supports increased state funding but asked the district to examine its funding priorities and legal obligations. He said relying on BOCES for mandated services led to extended interruptions and inadequate substitute coverage for some of the most vulnerable students.

Vai urged the board to align advocacy for additional Foundation Aid with clear priorities that ensure legal compliance and continuity of mandated services. ‘‘These decisions were clearly financially motivated and they create a clear record of impact on our most vulnerable students,’’ he said, and he said he would raise the issues with state lawmakers while expecting the district's advocacy to align with service priorities.

Superintendent Perrott responded in the meeting that the district's use of BOCES for PT and OT historically provided consistency and access to contracts the district did not hold directly; he said the recent staffing market has made PT/OT positions especially difficult to fill and that the district has repurchased speech services to bring those staff in‑district. Perrott said the administration is reviewing options to incrementally hire PT/OT staff in‑house and is consulting with bargaining units on compensation and placement.

Both parent and superintendent emphasized the same priority: protect vulnerable students and ensure legally required supports are delivered reliably. The administration invited further dialogue with the commenter.

The board adjourned after the exchange.