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Finance director: district took Hartford 'choice' funds under protest while pursuing disputed reimbursements
Summary
The board's finance presentation included an updated year-end projection and a description of a Hartford Choice special-education reimbursement dispute; the district accepted an initial payment 'under protest' to protect cash flow while coordinating with other districts and counsel to seek additional funds.
The district's finance director presented an updated year-end projection and explained a pending reimbursement dispute tied to Hartford Choice special-education tuition adjustments from fiscal years 2022–23.
The finance presentation reported a preliminary year-end projection (presented as roughly $27.2 million) while noting several moving parts — open purchase orders, special-education costs and a recently discovered broken meter at the high school that may affect utility bills. The director emphasized that timing and late vendor invoices can change the snapshot between now and formal year-end close.
On Hartford Choice: the director described a reimbursement discrepancy stemming from tuition/incentive accounting in 2022–23. The district and other districts found that Hartford adjusted tuition from $8,000 to $10,000 midperiod; Hartford has withheld some difference checks while districts evaluate the adjustment. The finance director said the district "cashed the check but it's under protest" to preserve essential cash flow for payroll and operations while coordinating with other districts and attorneys about longer-term recovery.
Why it matters: Several districts face similar disputes and some are considering or pursuing coordinated legal strategies; one board member said larger districts have substantially higher exposures. The board endorsed the pragmatic approach to secure funds now while disputing amounts later.
Operational notes: The business office also reported improved purchase-order (PO) practices, reconciliation of student activity funds and routine delays in state reimbursements for food service, which can run two to three months behind.
Next steps: Finance staff will continue to reconcile outstanding POs, monitor the Eversource meter investigation at the high school and participate in the multi-district coordination on Hartford Choice reimbursement claims.
