Jan 8, 2025, Foster Daily Democrat, Dover, NH: Harbor mental health program not included in this year's budget a 37% spike in reported emotional disturbance among students in the last two years in grades K-12.
A specialized elementary mental health program to be called Harbor, proposed as part of Dover's school budget at the School Board's Nov. 25 budget workshop, was not included in this budget cycle.
The goal of the proposed program was to create a specialized program to support behavioral and therapeutic needs, aiming to address significant out-of-district special education program costs and a 37% spike in reported emotional disturbance among students in the last two years in grades K-12.
The program was proposed by Abigail Small, director of student services for the district, and Travis Bickford, the district's multi-tiered systems of support director.
While the objective of the program was in part to reduce out-of-district special education costs, including transportation, School Board member Micaela Demeter said there wasn't cost savings. She said the program would have cost $660,000 in the 2025-2026 budget for six students, which is $110,000 per student. The program would have the potential for 12 students but would only start with six in the initial years, said Demeter, therefore only servicing half the need.
Demeter said the program's services are a demonstrated need, and it was difficult to say no. While it was not included in this year's budget, it could potentially be adopted in the future.
What's next for school department budget?
The next step is for the school budget to be shared with City Manager Michael Joyal for the City Council to review in February. The citywide budget is required to be adopted by April 15, with the City Council having the ultimate say on whether the school department's budget is approved.

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