School Board — December 5, 2024
Hopkinton board withdraws $240k from special ed trust fund, leaving district over $200k short
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At its December 5 meeting, the Hopkinton School Board approved withdrawing $240,000 from the Special Education trust fund to offset unanticipated transportation costs. District leaders stated the move still leaves special education expenses more than $200,000 over budget.
Board members committed to discussing replenishment of the trust fund during upcoming budget and warrant article reviews, though no specific plan or deadline was set. The same meeting reviewed a revised FY2026 general fund budget showing a net increase of approximately $750,000, or 2.79 percent, after adjustments to out-of-district placements, salary pools, and staffing.
Residents can review the full budget and warrant package at the December 19 meeting.
Public impact
~$750k net increase (2.79%) with tax rate impact reviewed
$240k withdrawal leaves district $200k+ short on expenses
Topics discussed
Public hearing on proposed withdrawal of $240,000 from the Hopkins School District Special Education trust fund to offset unanticipated transportation costs. Board noted the district remains at least $200,000 upside down on special education expenses after the withdrawal. Board later considered and approved withdrawing funds to cover -1 special education expenses.
Board approved minutes from November 7 and November 21 meetings.
Student representative Flo provided updates; presentations on the Friends mentoring program, middle/high school activities, and elementary school projects including a new greenhouse and hydroponics grant.
Jake presented the Portrait of a Learner statement developed through community surveys and discussions; board approved it as a guiding document for district decisions.
Principal Ms. Brown (a speaker) presented on fall community events including Fire Prevention Week, Lions Club dictionary distribution to third graders, Veterans Day assembly, and Thanksgiving food drive, plus upcoming winter concerts on Dec 18 and Coco Calm day on Dec 20.
Dr. Sindoni (a speaker) and Ms. Brown (a speaker) provided implementation updates on the CKLA/Amplify program, noting high student engagement with complex texts, knowledge building, and differentiated skills groups; first-year challenges include assessment familiarity, pacing, and lack of prior student background knowledge.
Director Mandy (a speaker) and principals presented on the need for a new coordinator role to support MTSS tiers, reduce out-of-district placements, improve LEA meeting coverage, enable instructional leadership, and address post-COVID behavioral and regulatory needs in early grades. Board and administrators discussed the potential role of a new special education coordinator to support case management, family interface, multi-tiered student support, meetings, and strategic resource allocation across buildings. Speakers explored ROI, out-of-district case management history, legal compliance, and alternatives to a full FTE.
Laura Taylor presented revised budget with $134k in cuts (out-of-district placements moved to warrant, coordinator benefits removed, athletic trainer adjustment, salary pool reduction) and addition of 1.0 high school English teacher. Net proposed increase is ~$750k (2.79%). Tax rate impact, fund balance projections, Article 10 revenue, and warrant articles were reviewed.
Four policies (KB family engagement, EBB school safety, JIC student conduct, ACF food/nutrition services) advanced for final read; six new policies received first reads.
Approved resignation of middle/high school cook Peg De Pastina (effective Dec 11) and spring track co-coaches Peter Najem and George Sable. No donations. Superintendent noted printer contract savings.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Special Education Trust Fund Withdrawal
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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