Board requests full briefing on special‑education age‑eligibility, funding and recent court developments

The Sachem Board of Education requested a public briefing and written materials explaining district obligations and funding regarding special‑education students who age out of services. Board member Meredith said the board previously voted to keep certain students through the end of the semester of their 20th birthday and asked for clarity on whether the district remains responsible for students until age 21 or 22 and what funding the state provides for those placements. She asked for a presentation so the public could better understand the district’s fiscal exposure from underfunded or unfunded mandates. A district legal representative (district counsel) told the board there was a recent court decision in June and said the district’s firm had issued an opinion letter in July for clients. Counsel said they would pull and circulate the decision and provide an update: "There definitely was a recent development. I believe it was about a month ago." Counsel also stated that, "as of today, we are still mandated to provide education up until the day before they turn 22." Board members asked counsel and administration to provide a concise presentation and legal update at the next meeting so the public and trustees could understand the funding and policy options. No changes to district practice were voted at the Aug. 6 meeting; the board asked for a formal briefing and for administration to explain how the district is funded for special‑education placements, what recent litigation means for eligibility and what options exist for advocacy or legislative change.