CLAREMONT — For the second time in less than a month, voters on Thursday overwhelmingly approved the establishment of a special education trust fund and an appropriation of $650,000 for new and expanded special education programs. The 70-12 vote ratifies the Nov. 21 vote on the same article, which passed easily by voice vote.
A second vote was held on the recommendation of the Department of Revenue Administration after the first vote was not properly noticed in line with state law.
The money is half of $1.3 million in unanticipated state revenue the school district received in the new state budget signed into law in July. The other $650,000 will be applied to offset taxes.
Supporters of the article said at Thursday’s special school district meeting that money is an investment in programs that will save money by reducing the number of out-of-district placements for special education and possibly become a source of tuition revenue. Opponents said the money was approved by the Legislature for tax relief.
