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Board discusses Dutchess County $20 preschool reimbursement increase and offers support
Summary
Board and staff noted a Dutchess County resolution to raise preschool reimbursement by $20 per session; superintendent and the special-education presenter said the increase could attract providers and pledged advocacy including letters and attendance at an Aug. 6 forum.
During the special-education discussion, Dr. Heather Chadwell Dennis described a pending Dutchess County resolution that would "increase the reimbursement rate by $20," a change she and the superintendent said could help recruit providers into the district.
Superintendent Matt said the increase would not affect Beacon's budget directly because the county and state would fund the additional reimbursement; he and Dr. Chadwell Dennis said they planned to attend a county forum on Aug. 6 and that the board could consider sending an elected-officials letter of support to the county executive and majority leader. Trustees agreed it would be useful for the board to send a unified letter of support and discussed drafting one quickly so it could be circulated for signatures.
Board members and staff emphasized the reimbursement would not instantly resolve all staffing issues, but they described it as an important step to narrow a long-standing pay gap with neighboring counties that complicates provider recruitment. The superintendent said he would include the advocacy opportunity in an upcoming superintendent update and coordinate next steps with district staff.
