School Committee Votes 3-1 to End Tuition Talks

School Committee · Meeting of February 18, 2026

North Brookfield School Committee voted 3-1 to end discussion of tuitioning students to neighboring districts. Member Matt Grant cast the lone dissenting vote after the committee weighed dueling special education cost estimates ranging from $450,000 to $1.2 million between the Quabbin and Quaboag Regional models. Special education presenter Mike Baldessari said "we never received a methodology for which we would calculate spending" from Quaboag and recommended a stabilization account of $700,000 to $1 million under that model versus $150,000 under Quabbin's.

Secretary Kristen Giangrande reported two open houses drew staff, parents and about 20 students. Special education teacher Ellen Davenport told the committee during public comment, "my heart is breaking for these kids because most programs, a lot of times they won't get the diploma." The town faces a $700,000 budget deficit.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• North Brookfield's community access TV: School Committee meeting, February 18, 2026
• The complete report: 698 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of February 18, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.