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RSU 18 approves $7.27 million for special education; director cites inclusion of Erskine Academy and private programs
Summary
Article 2, recommending $7,268,091.21 for special education, passed after the special-education director explained the increase was driven by counting special-education students from Erskine Academy and two special-purpose private schools and by higher kindergarten IEP entries.
Voters approved Article 2, authorizing $7,268,091.21 for special education in the RSU 18 budget.
During discussion, board member Sherry noted that the special-education percentage had risen and asked why. Cheryl Mercia, identified in the meeting as the special-education director, explained: "So the numbers that are represented don't have an offset for Erskine Academy. We count the special ed students from Erskine, but we don't count the regular ed students from Erskine because I still provide services to them. We also have two special purpose private schools in our district, and you have to have an IEP and be in special ed to be in those programs. And those students now count in our district."
Mercia added that kindergarten entries with IEPs are an early trend this year: "It used to be that coming into K, we would have anywhere from 5 to 15 students with IEPs. This year, we have 40 kids coming in that already have an IEP in kindergarten." The board moved and adopted the article.
Why it matters: the change in accounting and enrollment composition affects the district’s special-education budget and service planning, and could have implications for staffing, placements, and related costs going forward.
What’s next: the special-education office will implement services under the approved appropriation and the board may monitor placement trends and budget impacts in subsequent meetings.
