District Board approves $930K for speech therapy services with Connected Speech Therapy Inc

The Regular Board of Education Meeting held on June 12, 2025, in West Sacramento focused on the renewal of contracted speech therapy services with Connected Speech Therapy Inc. for the 2025-2026 school year. The proposed contract totals $930,720 and aims to provide essential speech services across the district, particularly at Fort Preschool and two K-8 sites.

During the meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Autry Streak, introduced the item, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality speech therapy services for students. The discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges in filling speech therapy positions, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The district has struggled to recruit sufficient staff, with a current need for 16 full-time speech-language pathologists (SLPs) while only having six district employees in that role.

Board members expressed concerns regarding the competitiveness of contracted services and the effectiveness of the current providers. Questions were raised about the process of selecting contractors and ensuring they meet the district's needs. The Director of Special Services, Carla Salva, explained that the district receives numerous inquiries from agencies offering special education services but emphasized the importance of vetting these providers to ensure they can deliver in-person support.

The board acknowledged the rising demand for speech therapy services, which has led to the continued reliance on contracted agencies. Salva noted that while the district has made strides in hiring additional staff, the increasing number of students requiring services necessitates ongoing partnerships with external providers.

In conclusion, the board moved forward with the approval of the contract, recognizing the critical role of speech therapy in supporting student success. The meeting underscored the district's commitment to addressing staffing challenges and ensuring that all students receive the necessary support for their educational needs.