Danvers Select Board authorizes $750,000 withdrawal from special education stabilization fund

The Select Board voted to authorize the Danvers Public Schools to withdraw $750,000 from the Special Education Stabilization Fund to cover unanticipated special‑education placements and associated residential costs that emerged after the district set its budget.

The superintendent told the board the School Committee approved the request in April and that some evaluations and residential placements increased needs beyond planned allocations. “The actual amount needed is a million 750,” the superintendent said, explaining that the $750,000 withdrawal plus a proposed $1 million transfer from free cash (to be considered at a special town meeting) together are intended to close the gap this fiscal year.

Board members asked about remaining balances; the superintendent said the stabilization fund would retain roughly $500,000 after the withdrawal. The board approved the motion to authorize the expenditure by voice vote.

What comes next: the school administration and town finance staff will complete closing procedures for the fiscal year; the $1 million free‑cash transfer will be considered at the special town meeting and further reporting will be available through the town’s finance committee materials.