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Mars Area SD projects $140,000 rise in tuition, $187,000 special‑education cost jump tied to two new placements
Summary
District staff told the finance meeting that special‑education spending will rise next year because two recent out‑of‑district placements and more early‑intervention students increased tuition and IU‑provided service costs; overall special‑education tuition and related services are budgeted at about $1.11 million and $662,000 respectively.
At a Mars Area School District finance meeting, district staff outlined proposed increases in special‑education spending for the 2026–27 budget, saying two recent student placements and a rise in early‑intervention services are the main drivers.
"We have seen an increase in the number of students in early intervention," presenter Debbie Frankstead said, noting the district will use $30,000 in ACCESS funds, $3,500 from IDEA, and $1,500 from the general fund to cover part of the higher costs for IU‑provided services such as early intervention, consulting, ASL training, speech and occupational therapy.
Frankstead told the…
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