LETTER: School ‘extraordinary expenditures’ deserve a closer look

To the Community: 

The governor’s newly appointed Secretary of Education has sparked unfounded fears of charter schools in Vermont. However, the real issue is that private special education services are already here and draining millions from each school district with inflated tuition rates, often exceeding $100,000 per student annually. 

Take the Harwood Unified Union School District as an example. Special education spending in the budget’s “other purchased services” line items in the FY25 budget increased by over $500,000. Meanwhile cuts to the World Language program saved less than $500,000. 

The district estimates $1.7 million in reimbursements for “extraordinary expenditures.” These extraordinary expenditures refer to costs for special education services that exceed the typical expenses covered by school districts, often due to the high tuition rates charged by private providers. These expenses significantly burden the district and surpass the savings from program cuts. 

Are these “extraordinary expenditures” forcing districts to cut vital educational programs? The HUUSD example suggests yes. This financial strain isn’t the fault of individual districts but points to larger systemic issues. 

As Vermonters, we must address the impact of outsourcing special education services. The financial burden on school districts undermines their ability to provide quality education and forces cuts to essential programs. Public dollars should remain in public schools, enhancing educational opportunities for all children, not subsidizing private entities profiting from our most vulnerable students.

Brian Dalla Mura 

Duxbury