During a recent government meeting, officials addressed ongoing challenges related to the timely payment of service providers, particularly speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and the implications for student services. The discussions highlighted the need for regular audits of accounts payable to ensure that payments are made promptly and accurately, as well as the importance of aligning services with contractual obligations.

Concerns were raised about how delays in payments might deter companies from working with the district. One official noted that while there were more bids submitted during the recent request for proposals (RFP) process than contracts awarded, it remains unclear how many previous vendors chose not to return and the reasons behind their decisions.

The meeting also touched on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service delivery and invoicing. Officials acknowledged that during the pandemic, many vendors changed names or merged, complicating the invoicing process. This led to discrepancies between the names on invoices and the records in the district's financial system, Munis. The finance department admitted that while invoices were eventually paid, the lack of timely submissions from vendors contributed to significant delays, with some invoices being paid late by hundreds of days.

To address these issues, the district has implemented new procedures to ensure that purchase orders are in place that match the vendors providing services. This is intended to create a clearer tracking system for payments and services rendered. Additionally, a program manager with a background in speech therapy has been hired to oversee service delivery and ensure that students receive the necessary therapy sessions, including compensatory services for any missed appointments.

Despite these measures, concerns remain about the district's budget management, as officials noted a $300,000 overspend in the previous fiscal year, primarily attributed to one contractor, EBS Healthcare. The need for improved oversight and accountability in the procurement process was emphasized, with officials committing to regular meetings to monitor vendor performance and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving financial processes and ensuring that students receive the services they need, while also addressing the challenges posed by vendor relationships and budget constraints.