Special education major concern at Rochester Town Meeting
Residents gathered at Rochester Memorial School on Monday, May 18 for Town Meeting. Photos by Mari Huglin 
Chair of the Select Board Adam Murphy responds to questions about the special education budget. 
Old Rochester Regional Superitendent Michael Nelson answered questions about the budget too. 
Residents lined up to ask questions or share opinions at Town Meeting.
Residents gathered at Rochester Memorial School on Monday, May 18 for Town Meeting. Photos by Mari Huglin
Chair of the Select Board Adam Murphy responds to questions about the special education budget.
Old Rochester Regional Superitendent Michael Nelson answered questions about the budget too.
Residents lined up to ask questions or share opinions at Town Meeting.
ROCHESTER — Voters questioned the Old Rochester Regional School District's special education budget at Town Meeting Monday, May 18.
Around 270 residents attended Town Meeting to discuss how special education is funded in the region.
One item asked voters to use Rochester’s free cash or “rainy day funds” to pay out-of-district special education costs.
Voters said yes to pay $250,000 one time to support area students whose education needs must be met outside of the district.
Resident Karen Thomas asked why education costs are increasing if enrollment of special education students are decreasing.
Old Rochester Regional Superintendent Michael Nelson said that the individualized programs for each student are increasing and each student has different needs with different costs which are set by the state.
Nelson said that there are only a few students who need this amount of out-of-district care because Old Rochester attempts to make sure most students’ needs are met in the district.
“We do an excellent, excellent job of making sure that 99% of our students are in their neighborhood schools, which we believe is best practice,” Nelson said.
Rochester voters also approved spending $716,000 on the payment deficit of unexpectedly high health insurance costs from the Old Rochester Regional School District.
Marion and Mattapoisett also voted to pay the shared deficit at respective Town Meetings.
While it has since changed insurance providers, the district participated in the Gateway Health Group. A broker from the health group quoted the district a rate the district then budgeted for, but the cost of medical claims this school year were significantly higher than anticipated.
The school said the deficit needed to be funded to ensure employees receive healthcare until the district changes to Mayflower Municipal Health Group in July.
Resident Lindsay Tallman said that since Marion and Mattapoisett voted to accept the debt, Rochester should too.
She explained the benefits of having a regional school district and the possible insurance coverage issues staff would have if the debt is not paid.
“I encourage us to do the right thing and enjoy the benefits of regionalization, but take on the responsibilities as well,” Tallman said.
