As Business Manager John Vignone and administrative staff of the Parkland School District are working to prepare the district’s 2017-18 financial plan, they are still handling the effects of increased costs on the 2016-17 budget.

Vignone, during the March 21 meeting, reported a half-million dollar increase in special education costs since the beginning of the current school year.

Director of Student Services Brenda DeRenzo explained a situation occurred when seven students requiring enhanced autistic support enrolled in the district.

“Unfortunately, we cannot predict who will move in but at Parkland we do what these students need,” DeRenzo said.

She said the students are attending Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 classes held in Parkland district buildings.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rod Troutman commented on the program.

“Enhanced Autistic Support is the most expensive kids program we have,” Troutman said.

DeRenzo expressed hope the students could at some time be brought in to the district, rather than CLIU classes, which would be a cost savings.

Vignone said the enhanced autistic support program is a large part of the $500,000 special education increase.

He noted after a reconciliation at the end of the year, the amount could be somewhat less or even higher.

Another topic of discussion was Lehigh Learning Academy in Nazareth which accommodates students who are unable to remain in their home schools.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak said individuals expelled from Parkland attend Lehigh Learning Academy.

Vignone said the district had two students at the academy in September.

There are now 12 students enrolled there now.

The cost to the district this year is $100,000, not including transportation.

Troutman asked the board to consider including a new special ed teacher position in the 2017-18 budget for an emotional support classroom.

With the additional emotional support classroom, it might be possible to bring some students back to Parkland from Lehigh Learning Academy, said DeRenzo, adding it would be a cost savings overall.

Vignone reported the largest increase in the 2017-18 budget will be payments to charter schools, projected at $3.5 million.

Parkland must send $23,000 for every special ed student and $10,000 for each traditional student to the charter school of his or her choice.

Vignone is forecasting a $700,000 increase for charter school payments in the next school term.