Board approves placement contract for student at Restoration Ranch after debate on costs

The Monroe Local Board of Education approved an agreement to fund education services for a student residing at Restoration Ranch, a residential placement, after discussion about costs and state placement practices.

Board members discussed the daily rate referenced during the meeting (noted in transcript as $242 per day) and confirmed the placement is typically arranged by the state or county; staff said partial reimbursements may be available for students with qualifying special‑needs funding but often do not cover full cost. One board member said that rejecting the contract would force the district to educate the student in‑district rather than at the residential facility.

The vote carried with one board member recorded as voting no; several members urged state legislators to review funding for court‑ordered or residential placements so districts are not left covering full costs. The superintendent said the arrangement is unique because the placement is residential and state‑ or county‑placed, which complicates reimbursement options.

Next steps: staff will confirm contract funding details and explore whether additional state reimbursement is available for this placement and similar cases.