Board hears FY26 grant update and discusses local program to reduce special-education outplacement costs

Superintendent Matt Dunbar and Business Manager Eric Remington told the Suffield Board of Education on June 16 that the state budget is finalized but the Connecticut Department of Education is still issuing guidance on implementation. They reported a $71,346 earmark for special education for Suffield and said the district is monitoring $9.9 million in additional statewide special-education funds to determine whether any of that funding will be allocated to the district. The town will receive about $55,000 more than budgeted from the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant because lawmakers delayed reductions to so-called "overfunded" districts, the administrators said.

Dunbar said he is exploring the possibility of opening a local program to serve high-need students to reduce the costs associated with outplacements. He told the board he has discussed a potential town‑owned site with First Selectman Colin Moll that would require renovations and is speaking with neighboring districts about partnership options. Business Manager Eric Remington said the district expects to close FY25 on budget or with a small surplus but identified two unbudgeted capital needs: scoreboard replacement at the baseball and softball fields (estimated $24,000–$41,000) and replacement of three exterior school signs (estimated $14,000); the board suggested asking the CTE department whether students could assist with sign design.

Board members asked whether the grants are one-time or multiyear and when the district will receive formal guidance from the Connecticut Department of Education; administrators said they are still interpreting the legislation and awaiting DOE guidance. The meeting record does not specify the timetable for receipt of any additional statewide special-education allocations or the number of students who would be served by a local program.