Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

UPDATE:
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The Thomaston Board of Education presented a budget to the Board of Finance that separated the Regular Education Budget from the Special Education Budget. The purpose for this type of presentation was to provide information for the public concerning how special education operates in the Thomaston District through the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). It is important for citizens to understand the funding process for students who receive Special Education services, as well as the decrease in revenue in state funding to address costs of special education.

As we work through this process, we ask for the involvement of the Thomaston Community. We have scheduled a Special Board of Education Meeting for Monday, April 5, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., Meeting Room #1 in the Town Hall. The purpose of this meeting will be to engage parents and citizens in an opportunity to learn about the budget, as well as district goals and initiatives that are directly related to the budget structure. We know that people across Thomaston have an interest in education and, more importantly, in education spending. Please take time to come to the Board of Education meeting and present your issues or ask questions. We value your contribution and would like the opportunity to address your concerns.

I hope to see you at our April 5th meeting.

Lynda Mitchell, Superintendent
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We presented our budget to the Board of Finance on Tuesday, February 23^rd. This budget presentation focused on providing a figure for regular education spending and a separate figure for Special Education spending. The reason for this approach allows us to keep the BoF and general public informed concerning the commitment we have through the legal guidelines of the IDEA for students with disabilities. We take seriously our responsibility to provide services to all students in the Thomaston District.

As we work through the budget process, we have been asked various questions about this process and presentation. The Frequently Asked Questions that we are posting represent the thoughts of individual residents of Thomaston. Sharing your concerns and suggestions may assist us in our work.

Please forward your questions to the Superintendent of Schools at lmitchell@thomastonschools.org or call 860-283-4796.

Q: What is the difference in cost between the same student who may be either a group home student resident or a traditional resident in Thomaston?

A: The district has more control over the placement of a traditional Thomaston student resident vs. a group home student resident who is under the control and placement of DCF (Connecticut Department of Children and Families). The cost may be the same; however, the traditional resident student gives administration greater authority in controlling cost.

Q: While preparing the 2009-2010 budget, the district stated that 9.4 teachers would be let go. In the end, the district was able to bring back 3 of those teachers. Where did the district find the money to do this?

A: The funds used to hire three Special Education teachers represents money received from the Federal government under the ARRA IDEA stimulus package. This was new money that came into the district after the budget process had been completed. The money covers a two-year period and the expectation is that the district will sustain those programs put into place once the two-year period ends.

Q: If two or more Special Education students are being bused out of district to the same location, do they share a bus, as well as the cost of that transportation?

A: Yes. The students are transported on the same bus. The cost, however, is billed at a higher rate than if a single student were being transported. For example, a single student may cost the district $185.00/day. Two students going to the same location on the same bus may cost $100.00 per student, per day.

Q: An early retirement was offered to teachers. How many teachers took advantage of this?

A: None.

Q: How does Thomaston Build its Special Education budget for out placed students?

A: When preparing the budget, a list of all students is provided to the Business Office with costs for tuition and transportation and who the placing agency is. The costs are then compiled by student and agency to determine the total gross cost of out placed Special Education students. We then determine the BoE’s cost of educating those students and the anticipated reimbursable costs from the Excess Cost grant. For the fiscal year 2010-2011, the district assumed that the state would only fund 65% of the anticipated reimbursable costs from the Excess Cost grant. This is information from the state itself. The anticipated reimbursable costs are then netted out from the total cost. This is the amount the BoE will budget for tuition costs of out placed Special Education students. Unfortunately, Special Education is a moving target. Throughout the year we see students being placed out and also students who come back in district. We have students move into Town for whom we must now honor any outplacement from a previous district. We have students placed by DCF into foster care or group homes in Thomaston with no-nexus who we then become responsible for. Then you have the uncertainty of what the actual state reimbursement will be in any given year.

Q: Are the Thomaston District teachers receiving a pay increase for 2010-2011?

A: No. The teachers will not be receiving a gross wage increase or a step increase. They will remain at the 2009-2010 salary step level.

Board of Ed Approved 2009-10 Budget

Concerns over state mandates