Board approves multi‑vendor list for special‑education service providers to address staffing shortages
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Summary
The board approved a multi‑vendor award adding 29 vendors to the district’s eligible provider list for special‑education services, enabling the district to engage providers for teachers, therapists and related services when district recruitment falls short.
The Brandywine School District Board on Aug. 18 approved a multi‑vendor award adding 29 vendors as eligible special‑education service providers for the 2025–26 school year.
Doctor Hess presented the recommendation, saying the district faces persistent shortages of certified special‑education teachers, related‑service providers and behavioral/mental‑health professionals. "The evaluation committee recommends awarding contracts to 29 vendors to provide comprehensive coverage across all of our service program categories," Hess said, noting the committee scored proposals on experience, staffing plans, service models and price and followed published criteria.
The award is a multi‑vendor approach intended to increase flexibility and reduce risk from single‑source shortages. Contracts approved by the board will be effective Aug. 25, 2025 through July 31, 2026, with options to renew for two additional one‑year periods. The district said the vendors will be used when district recruitment efforts do not fill vacancies, to provide related services required by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans, and to staff self‑contained and specialized programs when needed.
The presenter referenced Delaware Code, Title 29 § 69‑26, as the procurement authority and said the recommendation aligns with past district practice. Board members asked whether the vendors were new and how assignments are managed; Hess said 16 vendors are returning providers and that building leadership teams work with district staff to evaluate candidates and determine assignments.
Board action: The board approved the list of 29 vendors by voice vote.
What the board did not do: The vote did not authorize specific purchase orders or dollar amounts; it authorized an approved provider list from which staff can engage services as needed and in accordance with applicable procurements and special‑education funding rules. The district said it will engage vendors to maintain compliance with federal and state special‑education mandates and to ensure continuity of required services across 16 schools and specialized programs.
Next steps: Contracts will be executed with the approved vendors and used on an as‑needed basis; the district will report staffing impacts and cost outcomes to relevant committees.
