An increase in the number of Easton students receiving special education at has resulted in a $1.1 million deficit in 2023-24 education budget, and residents are being asked to approve a funds transfer to make up part of the shortfall.
District documents indicate that various cost-saving measures helped cut $597,180 from the $1,197,180 deficit, but Easton still needs $600,000 to make up the difference in this year’s budget.
Town residents will be asked to approve the $600,000 appropriation at a Special Town Meeting on March 25 at 7 p.m. at Samuel Staples Elementary School.
First Selectman David Bindelglass said the $600,000 will come from the town’s undesignated fund balance. The Board of Finance already approved the transfer at its March 7 meeting.
The school district notified town officials in November and December that there would not be enough money to cover special education costs for the current school year. School districts across the state are facing similar increases due to more students receiving special education services.
Several factors are driving the current deficit. The number of Easton students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEPs) grew from 11.4% last year to 18.1% this year. At Samuel Staples Elementary School, the number of students with IEPs went from 97 in December 2022 to 113 in December 2023. Every child who receives special education services must have an IEP — a written statement of an education program designed to meet the child’s individual needs.
Other factors behind the deficit are staff vacancies and a shortage of paraprofessionals. The district paid consultants to provide paraprofessionals at Staples and Helen Keller Middle School, which costs more than a direct hire. Paraprofessionals work as instructional aides for special education teachers, assisting and supervising students.
Federal and state law requires that students be placed in schools outside of their district when that district’s own special education programs are unable to meet the student’s needs. Easton anticipates it will spend $338,314 on outplacements during the upcoming school year. A portion of the outplacement cost will be reimbursed through the state Excess Cost Grant, according to district documents.
Jill Madeo, a parent, said it was necessary for the district to go over budget to make sure the vacancies were filled and children’s needs were met. She hopes residents will approve the $600,000 shortfall.
“Our experience has been very good. There have been no gaps, there were a lot of positions open at the beginning of the year,” said Madeo.
Madeo and a group of parents is organizing a Special Education Parent Teacher Association in Easton to bring parents, families and special education teachers together to help children with special needs reach their full potential.
Megan Mones, a parent who plans to be part of the group, is optimistic about what this new coalition can achieve. “I believe the formation of this group will be integral in advancing more comprehensive conversations around Easton’s approach to special education,” said Mones.
Easton voters are asked to attend the Special Town Meeting on March 25 to discuss and vote on the proposed $600,000 fund transfer. A copy of the meeting’s agenda can be found on the town website.
