School Committee Authorizes $200,000 Draw to Cover Disputed Transportation Costs

MAYNARD — March 26, 2026 — Maynard School Committee authorized up to $200,000 from a dwindling stabilization reserve to cover disputed special education transportation costs. The vote, taken unanimously at the March 26 meeting, draws from a Special Education Stabilization Reserve Account holding $213,383.60, potentially leaving just $13,000 in the fund. School Business Manager Wayne explained that Vanpool, the sole respondent to a regional collaborative RFP, had submitted invoices lacking required route documentation; the collaborative refused to pay, and the dispute is now in mediation approaching the one-year mark, with roughly 12 districts involved. DESE Associate Commissioner Jay Sullivan directed all districts to pay the same percentage of the outstanding balance so circuit breaker reimbursement claims would be consistent — but warned that paying only a partial amount would proportionally reduce each district's reimbursement. Committee members flagged the need to replenish the fund through future free cash requests to the town. In other action, the committee unanimously ratified a secretarial union contract with Local 1703, AFSCME, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, accepted a $3,000 classroom donation to Green Meadow School through AdoptAClassroom.org, and approved a policy revision allowing medical personnel to train non-medical staff in nasal naloxone administration.