Region 9 School Board Reviews Budget, Approves STEM Design Proposal

EASTON, CT — The Region 9 Board of Education held its regular meeting and budget workshop on Feb. 25, addressing key financial concerns, including special education costs, fee structures, and a proposed STEM educational spaces design.

Budget Challenges and Special Education Costs

Superintendent Dr. Jason McKinnon reported that the latest revisions to the 2025-26 Region 9 operating budget bring the proposed increase to 4.98 percent, down from 5.38 percent. However, special education expenditures remain a growing concern. Assistant Superintendent Sara Scrofani noted that while most budget lines are on track, special education costs are exceeding projections. The board expects further details once funding submittals are processed.

Director of Special Services Katherine Matz presented data on special education enrollment, highlighting that 20 percent of Joel Barlow High School students in the program are in outplacement—higher than in comparable districts. She outlined plans for a potential in-house program to mitigate costs but emphasized the need for dedicated staff and space.

Board members raised several questions, including why the district’s outplacement rate is higher than others and whether local in-house programs could serve multiple districts. Matz explained that placements are determined by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with cost considerations legally restricted from influencing decisions.

Approval of STEM Education Spaces Design Proposal

In other business, the board unanimously approved a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design of new STEM educational spaces. The selected design firm will collaborate with a STEM Study Working Group and the Region 9 Curriculum Committee before finalizing a conceptual plan.

Director of Facilities & Operations Mike D’Agostino explained that the project will be funded through the 2024-25 operating budget. He also addressed questions about why a previous design-build model used for a restroom project was not applied, stating that the approach was better suited for construction rather than conceptual planning.

Revised Pension Investment Policy and Meeting Schedule Changes

The board approved revisions to the Easton/Redding Pension Plan Investment Policy Statement in a 6-1 vote. Additionally, a scheduling conflict necessitated shifting Finance & Operations Committee meetings from Mondays to Thursdays, with the meetings now classified as “special meetings” due to the late change.

Public and Board Comments

During public comment, Easton resident Liz Plastina advocated for increased special education funding, emphasizing the difficulties teachers face without adequate classroom support. Another resident, John Webster, expressed support for the proposed budget, urging the board to prioritize special education and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Board members commended the administration’s efforts in addressing budget concerns and responding to nearly 90 questions submitted by the board and public. They encouraged further budget discussions before a final decision, with a target of reducing the increase to between 3.9 percent and 4 percent.

The meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m. The board will reconvene in March to continue budget deliberations.