Worthington voters amend and approve $1.94 million school budget after special‑education plan discussion

Allison Todd Goss moved that the town raise and appropriate $1,970,351.38 for the Worthington school district for FY2027; voters first approved a $30,000 amendment to reflect two fewer students attending a regional high‑school, bringing the total to $1,940,351.38, and then passed the article.

The school committee presentation emphasized two programmatic changes behind the budget. Superintendent Gretchen Morris Dobis and the presenter said the district will begin charging tuition for out‑of‑town preschool students beginning fall 2027 to prioritize Worthington children when openings exist. They noted that, in September, 14 preschoolers were enrolled—10 Worthington residents and four from other towns—and that charging tuition will align resources with local students.

The committee also detailed a new in‑district special‑education program, called the “Acres of Opportunity,” to provide intensive services at Conwell Elementary for students who otherwise would attend out‑of‑district programs. Presenters said bringing those services inhouse will reduce next year’s out‑of‑district costs that would have totaled $332,375; by contracting a consultant to train Conwell staff over three years, the district anticipates saving $164,375 in year one and expects consultant fees to decline as staff capacity grows.

Officials said the first year of consultant work will be funded in part by a $90,000 special‑education reserve that the district holds from a portion of school choice revenue. They warned that using the reserve will shrink the district’s contingency by roughly half, and if additional unexpected special‑education costs arise the town may need to consider a special meeting or other revenue options.

Resident Alex raised a question about the one‑time use of reserve funds and whether the district will face a shortfall in future years; Allison said consultant costs are contractually scheduled to diminish over three years, and the district plans to accept tuition‑paying students from other towns into the program once there is capacity.

The amendment to the total and the final article passed by voice vote. The meeting moved on to subsequent warrant articles.