Students’ Medical Needs Result In Budget Shortfall

SALISBURY – Officials in Wicomico County approved changes to the school system’s operating budget this week to address a $265,000 shortfall in student health services.

On Wednesday, the Wicomico County Council approved a request from the Wicomico County Board of Education to transfer $265,000 from “Special Education” and “Other Instructional Costs” to “Student Health Services,” which is projecting a budget deficit in fiscal year 2018-2019.

Jesse Reid, comptroller for the board of education, attributed the shortfall to unanticipated needs of three new students.

“It’s necessary due to three students who are new to Wicomico County this year with severe medical needs that require one-on-one nurses,” he said. “We did not anticipate these costs in the FY19 budget and are consequently projecting a budget deficit in the category of ‘Student Health Services.’”

Reid told the council the school system would utilize surplus funds from other accounts to cover the shortage.

“It’s about $80,000 per student,” he said. “We are expecting a fourth student to come on sometime this month, so the additional money includes that fourth student.”

Bonnie Walston, director of special education, explained that each of the four students require skilled nurses.

“They need at least a registered nurse to be with them at all times because of their medical condition,” she said.

Walston added that federal law required the school system to provide all students access to education.

“Unfortunately, we cannot predict who is going to be moving into our county nor the disabilities they are presented with …,” she said. “We have to provide that level of support in order for them to be able to access general education curriculum and participate like any other non-disabled student would have the opportunity to do.”

Council President John Cannon questioned if the school system could utilize other funding sources.

“Are there any additional funds the federal government or state matches for these families?” he said.

Walston noted it was the local government’s responsibility to cover any of the additional education costs.

“I know there are other supports that help families outside of the school day,” she said, “but they do not support fiscal costs to education.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Josh Hastings absent, to approve the $265,000 transfer.

About The Author: Bethany Hooper

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Bethany Hooper has been with The Dispatch since 2016. She currently covers various general stories. Hooper graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 2012 and the University of Maryland in 2016, where she completed double majors in journalism and economics.