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Superintendent: rate increase and $579,995 surplus improve cash outlook; vocational access widened
Summary
Superintendent Tom reported a $579,995 revenue-over-expense position through January and said a successful state rate appeal raised the district's daily billing rate (from "2 95" to "3 13"), improving monthly cash flow. He also loosened vocational program interview eligibility and described new transition supports for students exiting residential care.
At the Feb. 24 board meeting, Superintendent Tom reported the district is $579,995 positive on an income-over-expense basis through January 2026 and described a successful appeal that raised the district’s perspective daily rate. "At the January 2026, we are 579,995 income over expense," Tom said, and he added that the state-approved rate change will materially improve monthly cash flows by increasing the district’s per-day reimbursement.
Tom said staff moved the vocational interview eligibility to allow students to interview while still enrolled in the job-readiness course to prevent missed opportunities; previously students had to finish the class before interviewing. He said nearly 70% of students waiting to finish a course previously missed at least one interview. To expand opportunities, the district will also run an open interview day to increase access to employers.
On transitions, Tom outlined steps to reduce the number of students placed on home instruction after residential discharge by connecting family workers directly with a regional State Ed. associate (Nicole Rossi) to advocate for school placements, transferring individualized education plans and transcripts ahead of discharges, and providing agency staff with access to student records for live data. He also announced consultant Gretchen Carpenter will work with teachers and students through a community grant and BOCES contracting.
