LEEDS — School Administrative District 52 directors learned Thursday of special education expenses from Special Education Director Deborah Alden.

She presented part one of a three-part PowerPoint to advise the board on what the expenses are and why they exist.

Alden said the district is doing a good job of identifying those who need services, but has a high number of students in need of the most expensive services. She passed out a cost comparison sheet that showed an 88 percent increase in special education funding from 2007-15.

Directors also reviewed copies of the Maine School Board Association’s 2016-17 proposed resolutions.

The MSBA recommends forming a task force to “…address the rising cost of special education while maintaining quality services.” The document mentioned Maine’s “unsustainable 46 percent cost increase” over the last 10 years.

The report said some federal requirements seem to “discourage innovation and efficiency in the way students are served.”

The report also cited the high number of Maine students with special needs. The proposed task force will suggest changes be made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, since “federal requirements currently drive state mandates.”

Four of the five proposed resolutions were favored by the board, with the exception of calling on the governor’s office to “put forth a permanent commissioner nominee.” Superintendent Kimberly Brandt favored the proposal.

“This year’s resolutions seem to make sense,” said Chairwoman Betsy Bullard.

It seems less political than in previous years, she said.

In other news, Brandt said that Business Manager Deborah Roberts will receive an award from the Admiral of the Ocean Seas organization. She is being honored for establishing the Hollandstrong Scholarship, and for her work to expand the Education Opportunity Act.

The scholarship was created in memory of her son Michael Holland, who was one of the Mainers aboard the SS El Faro, which was lost at sea on Oct. 1, 2015.

Directors also unanimously approved:

* Tammy Rioux’s nomination as the new special education teacher for Tripp Middle School in Turner, pending certification paperwork;

* Accepting a donation from the Anderson Foundation to Turner Elementary School; and

* Updating emergency school closing procedures, after discussing storm notification policies.