Auburn School Committee approves superintendent contract, draws special education funds

AUBURN -- January 21, 2026, Auburn School Committee unanimously approves contract for incoming superintendent Dr. R.J. Scaza. The committee, chaired by Harrington, voted at its January 21 meeting to authorize the chair to execute the one-year employment contract with Scaza, who was to receive the signed agreement the following evening. The board also approved a first-phase draw of $85,489 from the special education stabilization fund, which held $65,775 as of January 16, to cover part of $256,467.84 in unbudgeted outplacement costs for four late-enrolling students, with two cases still awaiting state LEA assignment rulings that could shift financial responsibility to other districts. Business Manager Stanick reported the first completed student activity account reconciliation found a verified closing balance of $11,740.38 for the Class of 2025, lower than advisors had recorded due to a missing $775 deposit and a double-counted $1,218 Boundless Adventures payment. The committee also voted to discontinue four inactive high school clubs, Blastoff Cafe, Fish and Game Club, Alliance, and Bowling Club, holding their combined $2,368.33 balance pending the completion of the full Auburn High School internal audit.