Rising special education costs account for 94 percent of the proposed Edgecomb School Committee’s 2016-17 budget increase. The committee is proposing a $2,664,336 budget, which is $125,154 more than this year’s; $117,632 of the proposed increase is for additional special education spending. Alternative Organization Structure 98 Superintendent Eileen King explained the proposed spending during the May 10 Edgecomb school budget hearing.

The proposed $441,465 special education budget includes $25,917 for a new, one-on-one educational technician, $66,320 for six students’ tuition, and $18,247 for increased contracted services such as occupational therapy and physical therapy. King further explained that the committee is required to provide these services based on the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act. It mandates that students receive a free public education in the least restrictive environment.

“I hate to say this, but these costs are out of our control,” King said. “We can’t just hire one teacher or provide one program for all these students. The program is based on an individualized education plan created by educators, administrators and parents. These students have a variety of needs which must be meant.”

The majority of the  budget is for the 80 students who attend the kindergarten through grade six Edgecomb Eddy School. The budget also includes the town’s 18-percent operating cost of the AOS and tuition. Edgecomb pays $827,146 for 71 tuition students: one for kindergarten through grade six, 23 for grades 7-8, 47 for grades 9-12.

Edgecomb Eddy School Principal Lisa Clarke urged voters to remember any budget cuts always impact the youngest students most.

“I think people forget this is a k-12 budget,” Clarke said. “When cuts are made they are right here (Edgecomb Eddy School).”

Selectman Mike Smith asked what happens if voters reject the budget during the May 21 town meeting. King replied Edgecomb has a long tradition of supporting local education.

“I have faith the people of Edgecomb will support our school. If not, we will go to Plan B. The rule of thumb is the committee goes back and submits a new budget,” she said.

Smith also questioned how effective the current school funding formula is.

“What about our state rep and state senator? What are they doing for us?  Maybe we should have a conversation with her (State Rep. Stephanie Hawke) about this,” he asked.

King reported local legislators “have little to do” with the current funding formula. Legislators would only become involved after a proposed formula change. The Legislature is currently looking at reforming the formula, according to King.

The current formula is based heavily on enrollment, property valuation and debt service. King expects the earliest any funding formula reform would occur to be in fiscal year 2019. A state commission is currently reviewing the education funding formula. The Picus Commission is studying an alternative formula. One state’s model under consideration is Vermont’s, according to King.

“It’s something that’s being looked at,” King said. “As long as enrollment and property values are a major criteria I’m not sure if the formula will work for us. What might help us is if the state pays a greater share of special education.”

Residents will vote on the school budget during the May 21 town meeting at 10 a.m. in the municipal building.