Richland One approves nearly $797,500 contract for virtual instructional positions

Richland School District One’s board on Tuesday approved an administration recommendation to award a contract to EdBlocks Inc., doing business as Elevate K12 of Chicago, for instructional virtual positions in an estimated amount of $797,500.

Miss Hodges presented the item, saying the contract would provide certified teachers for high school and middle school vacancies and that procurement followed the district’s model procurement code exemption for student services and sourcing critical instructional staff. "The administration is requesting approval ... to award a contract to Edblocks Inc, doing business as Elevate k 12 ... in the estimated amount of $797,500," Hodges said.

Commissioners asked how the cost is calculated and whether the amount reflects usage. Dr. Kumas (staff) said the proposed amount is comparable to what the district spent last year. He described the vendor charging "per period" for remote teachers — districts can contract for a teacher for one period or a whole day. Board members asked for tracking data; Kumas said the district tracks usage and that a full accounting could be provided at the end of the year.

Commissioner Wesson asked how the live remote teacher model is implemented; Kumas explained the remote teacher provides live instruction while an instructional assistant is present in the classroom to assist and monitor students. The administration said the contract covers middle and high school levels and is not used for lower elementary grades.

The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Devine, and the board voted unanimously to adopt the administration’s recommendation.