Student services briefing: DESE audit, circuit‑breaker funds owed, and chronic absenteeism concerns

The director of student services updated the committee on special‑education programs and recent DESE activity. She said a DESE audit tied to the circuit‑breaker process determined the district is owed extraordinary‑relief funds, although final payments depend on completion of audits across districts.

She also presented multi‑year counts for students in priority categories: an increase in students on IEPs (figures presented for 2023–24, 2024–25 and current year with minor revisions noted during the meeting), shifts in out‑of‑district placements (48 → 53 → 50 in the three‑year snapshot) and transient changes for foster and McKinney‑Vento‑eligible students. The director noted a recent influx of higher‑needs students adding unbudgeted costs.

Staff reported increased training in de‑escalation and restraint safety: about 53 staff were restraint‑trained in 2024–25 and 61 this year. The district cited partnerships (including a wraparound program with the Y and Cartwheel) to address chronic absenteeism and school avoidance.

Committee members thanked staff and encouraged deeper review of accountability metrics; the director said district high‑school special‑education achievement and growth had improved in some measures but that chronic absenteeism among students with disabilities remains an area needing targeted intervention.

The superintendent and members emphasized the complexity and budgetary implications of high‑needs placements and said further, program‑level discussions will continue in future meetings.