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Buckingham schools report steady decline in out-of-county special-education placements; transitions planned
Summary
District officials told the board out-of-county special-education placements have fallen from 30+ historically to 26, with plans to transition four students back to local schools to save costs and improve continuity of services.
District staff reported progress in reducing out-of-county special-education placements and outlined plans to transition several students back into local schools.
Jennifer Gracher said placements have dropped from more than 30 to 26, with four students returning this year and four more on transition plans. She noted that some placements are for residential or highly specialized services and are appropriate, but that bringing students back when clinical and academic benchmarks allow can save substantial funds — citing an example of "a 126,000 plus dollars" in potential savings for one student. Gracher emphasized monitoring, quarterly progress reports from outside placements and individualized transition plans as keys to successful reintegration.
Board members pressed on monitoring and potential conflicts of interest when outside placements enroll district students; Gracher said the district receives quarterly progress reports and will continue active case reviews and communications with placement providers.
