Board approves mental‑health and special‑education agreements, including psychologist services to fill a vacancy

The Joliet Township High School Board approved a series of agreements intended to maintain student support services this school year. The board passed a memorandum of understanding with Bella Recovery, a renewal of a contracting relationship the district said it has used previously. The board also approved an agreement with SP Professional Service LLC to provide psychology services "in lieu of an unfilled position for a psychologist," according to district staff, and approved an agreement with ThriveWorks Administrative Services LLC. Staff noted the SP Professional arrangement is intended to cover services while the psychologist position remains vacant; board members asked whether the district might consider paying by per-evaluation rather than by hourly rate in future contracts. The board also approved continued participation in the Southern Will County Cooperative for Special Education, a longstanding regional arrangement staff said has been in place for 16 years to provide special education services. All motions passed by roll call without substantive amendments at the meeting. Board members thanked staff and said they look forward to continuing services for students.