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Suffield board hears proposal for in‑house special education program to reduce outplacements
Summary
Superintendent Matt Dunbar and Director of Special Services Diana Kelley presented a plan to create an in‑district special education program with possible regional partners to reduce out‑of‑district placements and lower education and transportation costs; the Board requested detailed cost information and the proposal will go to the Board of Selectmen.
Superintendent Matt Dunbar and Director of Special Services Diana Kelley outlined a proposal to develop an in‑house special education program intended to serve students currently placed out of district.
The plan, the presenters said, began as conversations last year and has identified East Granby, Windsor Locks and Granby as possible partner districts. Dunbar said the program would include specialized classrooms with calming spaces, certified special education teachers, paraeducators and related service providers to meet increased student needs and legal mandates.
"Discussions about developing an in‑house special education program for outplaced students began last year with East Granby, Windsor Locks, and Granby as possible partners," Superintendent Matt Dunbar said. Director of Special Services Diana Kelley described the classroom model and staffing needs and emphasized that the in‑district option would reduce the district's educational and transportation expenditures for outplaced students.
Business Manager Eric Remington told the Board that renovation costs for a facility may be eligible for state reimbursement, which could lower the district's capital outlay. He said educational expenses and transportation costs for outplaced students would be "significantly reduced" if an in‑house program were established.
Board members raised staffing and facility concerns, asking for more detailed cost estimates and information about how the program would interact with the middle school building project and potential grant opportunities. First Selectman James Mol indicated he planned to present the proposal to the Board of Selectmen at its Sept. 3 meeting.
No formal vote was taken; Board members requested additional financial and operational detail before any decision. The Board will consider follow‑up materials and next steps after administrators provide the requested cost and implementation information.
