An effort that combines saving money and keeping schooling close to home.
By: Gwen Runkle
In an effort to improve the education of students with special needs and save some money, the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District is implementing two new programs in the fall.
Both programs focus on bringing students who are currently being educated out of the district back "in-house," but each serves different types of students.
The first is targeted to serve multiply disabled students who have been diagnosed as autistic. A multiply disabled class is expected to be organized to serve about four or five students in fourth and fifth grades and would be located at the Millstone River School in Plainsboro.
The second program creates a Preschool Disabilities Program for 3- and 4-year-old children and is targeted to serve students who are likely to attend the district’s kindergarten programs.
This half-day program is anticipated to serve about 20 students. Two classes of 10 students would meet at the Millstone River School.
"We are so excited about these new programs," said Sue DiDonato, district supervisor of special services. "I initially brought them up as part of our budget proposal for the district because they do save some money, but the primary initiative is that it’s the right thing for the kids.
"We’re lucky to have such good quality programs outside the district, but housing our students internally will be better for them in the long run," she continued.
The multiply disabled class is expected to save the district about $112,500, while the preschool program is expected to produce a savings of about $237,700.
The West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Board of Education approved both programs Tuesday night. The multiply disabled class was approved by a 7-2 vote, with board members Stan Katz and Hemant Marathe dissenting. The preschool program was approved 8-1, with Mr. Katz again dissenting.
"My ‘no’ vote was not against the programs I think they’re wonderful," he said. "I am just not convinced the administration fully reviewed the space issue."
He is concerned that once the 1,165-unit Estates at Princeton Junction housing development in West Windsor begins to funnel students into the district, the space allocated for the two new programs may be needed for regular classrooms.
"In my mind, we’re rushing into too many things that conflict with our goal of not having to build another building at some point," he added.
Mr. Marathe could not be reached for comment.
To prepare for the fall, staff interviews are taking place, hiring recommendations are being processed and individualized education plans are being written to reflect appropriate educational plans for the targeted students, Ms. DiDonato said.
She anticipates needing one full-time teacher for each program, as well as some part-time staff, including speech personnel, child study-team members, an occupational therapist and some instructional assistants.

