2026-5 Resolution of the Council, re:

No: 2026-5

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN

IN SUPPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES RELATED
TO SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING AND STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

WHEREAS: the Middletown School Committee has identified significant and growing fiscal pressures associated with providing mandated special education services and transporting students to out-of-district placements; and

WHEREAS: the School Committee intends to pass a resolution urging the Town’s state legislative delegation to reintroduce 2025 H6325, which would establish a high-cost special education fund to pool resources and generate income to help offset excess special education costs; and

WHEREAS: the School Committee further supports legislation such as 2025 S972 / H6236, which would increase the number of regional student transportation districts to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and decrease the amount of time students spend on school buses; and

WHEREAS: these legislative initiatives align with the Town of Middletown’s educational programs, fiscal sustainability goals, and shared interest in cost-effective delivery of mandated services;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED: that the Middletown Town Council supports the Middletown School Committee’s request that the Town’s state legislative delegation reintroduce and advance legislation establishing a high-cost special education fund, consistent with H6325; and

BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: that the Town Council supports legislation that restructures regional student transportation systems, including proposals similar to S972 / H6236, to promote efficiency, cost savings, and improved outcomes for students; and

JANUARY 5, 2026

READ AND PASSED IN COUNCIL

Wendy J. W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk