Resident urges town resolution to press state for special-education funding

Toby Arsenian, a Rockport resident, used public comment time to press the committee on special-education funding and to request a town-meeting resolution urging the state to cover special-education costs. "The expenses are entirely the fault of the state... It is an unfunded mandate," Arsenian said, drawing an extended explanation of how circuit breaker reimbursements and reserves factor into the budget.

Arsenian asked the committee to formalize the town’s position at town meeting so residents could press state officials for funding changes. The superintendent acknowledged the state’s role in special-education funding, explained that circuit breaker reimbursements are calculated in arrears and can vary year to year, and said the district would review the state audit of special-education services expected in March. The transcript shows no committee vote on a resolution during this meeting; Arsenian's request remained a public appeal rather than a formal action.