Board warns budget contingency could put pre‑K and programs at risk amid rising special‑education costs

The superintendent told the Millbrook Central School District board that rising costs for external special‑education programs and transportation are a major pressure in the proposed budget and apologized for language that a parent found upsetting.

During the meeting a parent raised concern after budget presentations described special education as a budget driver. “I want to be very clear: there is no conversation about our students being cost drivers,” the superintendent said, explaining the district meant program and transportation costs for students who require restrictive, external services.

The superintendent also explained what would happen if voters reject the district budget. The board may re‑submit a budget for a second vote, or adopt a contingency budget that limits spending to the most recently authorized amount. Under a contingency budget the district would need to identify approximately $1.5 million in additional cuts; staff said non‑mandated programs, including pre‑K, and additional staff positions could be reduced.

One community speaker, identified in the transcript as Richville, asked whether ecological findings from a nearby riparian research project could “torpedo” the capital project; staff said environmental checks are standard and the research is limited and non‑invasive.

Board members reiterated pre‑K remains a district priority, but staff told the board that nothing is off the table under a contingency budget and the district must be transparent about potential outcomes of a failed vote. The board did not take further budget action at the meeting; the superintendent encouraged informed public participation in the upcoming vote.