State representative urges state takeover of special-education costs, urges constituent engagement

Representative Heath Howard visited the Barrington Select Board on July 13 to discuss school funding and the coming legislative session. Howard said special-education costs and increased health-insurance premiums are the largest and most variable drivers of the town’s school budget and proposed that the state assume responsibility for special-education funding to stabilize local budgets.

"Special education and health insurance have been the two biggest drivers from what we've seen," Howard said, describing peaks and valleys in local budgets that follow caseload changes. He told board members he has advocated for the state to cover special-education costs rather than leaving those large, unpredictable expenses to individual municipalities.

Board members pressed Howard on budget drivers and the likely timetable for change. Howard acknowledged political differences in the legislature but said he is hopeful that changes to school funding could advance with the incoming legislative turnover. He also described the governor's bill-signing and veto process, saying several vetoes may still be forthcoming.

Howard encouraged civic engagement. "Just call us, text us, email us, reach out," he said, urging residents to contact legislators to influence priorities. He told the board he has met with prospective candidates who may succeed him and will pass along Barrington’s concerns to his successor.

The meeting record shows no formal action by the Select Board arising from Howard’s remarks; board members thanked him and asked him to relay local priorities to the legislature.