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Special-education spending rises to $7.27M; director says counting changes and higher IEP kindergarten entries explain increase
Summary
Voters approved $7,268,091.21 for special education. Special Education Director Cheryl Mercia said the district now counts students from Erskine Academy and two private special-purpose schools, and noted an unusually high number of incoming kindergarten students with IEPs.
Article 2, asking authorization to expend $7,268,091.21 for special education, was presented and approved at the RSU 18 budget meeting after a staff explanation of why the line increased.
When a voter asked why the special-education percentage had risen, the superintendent asked Special Education Director Cheryl Mercia to respond. Mercia explained that the figures "don't have an offset for Erskine Academy" and that the district now counts several students who previously were categorized differently; she also said, "This year, we have 40 kids coming in that already have an IEP in kindergarten," and described that as an early trend contributing to higher costs.
There was no motion to amend the appropriation; Article 2 was moved, seconded and adopted as presented.
