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Bedford committee asks town to approve up to $250,000 transfer from special education reserve to close FY26 gap
Summary
Facing unanticipated special‑education costs and a late state reimbursement, the committee voted to request the town transfer up to $250,000 from the special education stabilization fund to cover FY26 deficits; the request will go to the finance committee and then the select board.
The Bedford School Committee voted on June 9 to request town approval to transfer up to $250,000 from the Town of Bedford Special Education Reserve Fund to the school department operating budget to close out fiscal 2026.
Director of finance Julie Karine and Superintendent Schwang told the committee the district faces higher than expected special‑education placement costs and that an anticipated state reimbursement (circuit breaker transportation) did not arrive as expected for FY26; the state has indicated full funding next year. The district said it had approximately $150,000 in operating budget savings to apply toward the gap and would rely on the reserve for the remainder.
The committee noted the town voted previously to add $300,000 to the fund; the fund balance after a $250,000 draw would remain roughly $700,000. The approved school committee motion authorizes the superintendent to transmit the transfer request to the finance committee; the finance committee and select board must approve the withdrawal under town policy.
Committee members pressed for explanation of cost drivers (higher needs and higher placement costs as opposed to a single accounting error) and asked about communication to the community; district staff said they track student‑by‑student changes monthly and will present the formal request to the town bodies next week.
