The Town of Easton will hold a Special Town Meeting on Monday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at Samuel Staples Elementary School to discuss and potentially approve a special appropriation in the amount of $600,000 to address a budget shortfall in the current year (2023-24) education budget.
This appropriation is necessary for three reasons.
- First, the district has experienced an increase in the number of students that require special education services this school year. In some instances, students need more intensive services to meet their needs.
- Second, the district has been unable to fill staff vacancies, particularly non-certified staff like paraeducators. Statewide shortages in this area are prevalent in many schools across the state.
- Finally, we are committed to meet the needs of all students; this principle is detailed in our strategic plan and required by state law. Therefore, the district was compelled to hire contracted employees to fill vacancies and provide needed services at a significant unanticipated expense.
To help offset a portion of the excess expenditures, the Board of Education directed the administration to limit discretionary expenditures for the remainder of the year. If the town approves the special appropriation and the board incurs less than the anticipated $600,000 in excess expenditures, such unspent funds will be returned to the town Unassigned Fund.
The Easton Board of Education appreciates the support of our fellow Easton residents and asks that you support the special appropriation of $600,000 on March 25.
