Board hears decade‑long rise in special‑education costs that now outpace general budget growth

Unionville‑Chadds Ford administrators on May 6 highlighted a sustained increase in special‑education spending, telling the school board the line item grew from about $10.7 million to roughly $18.8 million over the past decade — an increase administrators characterized as unsustainable if trends continue.

Finance director mister Dady said the cost increase is broadly driven by student needs, staffing (special‑education teachers, paraprofessionals, PCAs) and outside placements. He noted that placements with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) rose from 17 students in 2018–19 to 34 this year, and that tuition and contracted services in those categories have increased considerably.

Director of special education doctor Bridal (as named in the transcript) said the district "runs a fantastic program" and emphasized compliance with federal law and avoiding reactive litigation by meeting student needs. Board members discussed whether bringing some placements in‑house could reduce tuition and placement expenses over time; staff said they are monitoring opportunities and evaluating provider contracts.

Context and implications: administrators cautioned that the special‑education spending trend is a statewide issue and that legislative changes (such as extending services to age 22) have increased costs for many districts. The board did not take formal action at the hearing, but several members suggested tracking potential in‑house program development and monitoring CCIU placements and associated contracting.

Next steps: administration said it will continue to monitor enrollment and placement trends, evaluate partnerships and return with further analysis when options to reduce costs or provide in‑house alternatives have been vetted.