Board approves withdrawal of about $219,700 from Special Education Trust

The Governor Wentworth Regional School Board voted unanimously on April 7 to withdraw and expend approximately $219,700 from the district's Special Education Trust Fund to cover unanticipated special education expenses incurred during the 2024–25 school year.

Chair Brodie Deshaies opened a public hearing on the request at 7:41 p.m. Superintendent Caroline Arakelian explained the hearing's purpose: to obtain Board approval to expend the full amount available in the Trust. Dr. Kelly Mask, the district's Director of Special Education, described the district’s special education population, including preschool-aged students, and identified four primary drivers of cost growth: contracted services, out-of-district tuition, equipment and transportation.

Business Administrator Kathy O’Blenes told the Board that a budget freeze is in effect and clarified that items covered by federal grants are not impacted by the freeze. Board discussion focused on the extent to which withdrawing the Trust funds would ease current financial pressures, the historical use of the Special Education Trust, and continuing pressures from out-of-district placements and transportation costs.

During the public portion of the hearing, commenters raised concerns about the elimination of field maintenance due to the budget freeze and asked what would happen if the Trust withdrawal failed; others raised the effect of a local charter school on special education funding and transportation costs. After closing the public hearing, the Board approved the withdrawal and expenditure of the approximately $219,700 by unanimous vote.

The Board did not alter the amount requested and indicated the funds will be used immediately to pay unanticipated special education costs for the current school year.