Innovative in-house programs help temper spiraling expenses
Some Lexington (MA) students with disabilities used to ride in vans for as much as two hours every day to attend specialized schools in distant communities. This year, the 47 middle school and high school students go to classes in their hometown.
The result: The students have more time for learning, friends, family, play, and sleep. But perhaps as impressive - at least from the number-crunchers' point of view - the move has helped lop almost $1 million off the municipal budget.
"There is a strong financial benefit to create in-house capacity," Lexington Superintendent of Schools Paul Ash said.
So far, the changes in Lexington have won approval from the local Special Education Parent Advisory Council, the key organization looking out for the rights of parents of children with special needs.
"We really do want as many kids as possible to be educated in their home schools," said Dale Hernquist, council cochair. "It's best for the kids, it's best for the other kids around them, it's best for the community. I think the new special-education programs are the way to go."
Lexington is among many school districts grappling with ways to save on the skyrocketing costs of special education while still delivering quality services to students. The biggest savings have come from bringing special-education services in-house. Collaborating with neighboring communities on required van service to specialized schools has also tamed the bottom line...
No comments:
Post a Comment