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Board adds Excel Preschool special‑education teacher and paraprofessionals after 58 referrals
Summary
In response to an unexpected surge of referrals, the Board approved a 1.0 FTE Special Education teacher and four paraprofessionals for Excel Preschool, funded from the general fund; estimated costs cited were about $95,000 for the teacher and roughly $80,000 for the paraprofessionals.
The New Milford Board of Education unanimously approved adding staff to the Excel Preschool program on Aug. 20 after district leaders reported an unexpected increase in referrals.
Dr. Janet Parlato, Superintendent of Schools, said the district received 58 referrals after the October deadline and that 18 children will remain in the Excel program because they are not old enough for kindergarten. "The needs of the students are more complex and more severe than what’s been seen," Dr. Parlato said, describing increased numbers of young children presenting with significant behavioral and medical needs.
Laura Olson, Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Services, said many incoming children have diagnoses of autism; Debbie Clark, Supervisor of Special Education (PK–5), added that at least 24 students will require one‑to‑one paraprofessional support. Dr. Parlato estimated the approximate cost at $95,000 for the Special Education teacher and about $80,000 for the four paraprofessionals and said the district expects to cover those costs from the general fund.
Board members agreed the student counts and complexity justify the additions but discussed how to offset recurring costs in future budgets. Mr. Eric Hansell urged the Board to map offsets now rather than waiting until the formal budget cycle. The Board approved the positions during the meeting; administration will proceed with hiring and operational implementation.
