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District budgets two out-of-district special-ed placements at roughly $165,000 each
Summary
Staff told the board the 2526 budget includes two out-of-district special-education placements estimated at about $165,000 per student; staff also said the district will seek a state 'safety net' reimbursement but that payment is not guaranteed.
During the budget presentation a staff member said the district budgeted two special-education students for out-of-district behavioral services and estimated the cost at about $165,000 per student.
“...we have, a student. I budgeted for 2 students to do that that we're sending them out of the district for special ed services for behavior. So, which is $1.65 165,000 per kid,” the staff member said. Board members expressed surprise and concern at the per-student price and asked how staffing might be affected; staff replied that some para pairs would not be replaced, reducing in-house staffing by a small number.
The staff member also said the district plans to apply for the state 'safety net' reimbursement after ESD recommended budgeting possible safety-net revenue. “Safety net is not guaranteed,” the staff member said, adding that the state would reimburse a portion under a formula and the district would still be responsible for some costs.
Board members pressed about options for placements and whether the district could 'shop around' for different providers. Staff said they had budgeted conservatively and will pursue the safety-net application with district colleagues.
