Board approves contracts for special‑education, alternative placements and related services

The Stow‑Munroe Falls City School District Board of Education on April 28 approved a bundle of contracts and service agreements covering special‑education supports, audiology, interpreter services, instruction for students placed in residential hospitals and alternative‑education placements.

Board members said they wanted clearer counts and cost breakdowns before voting, then approved each agreement by roll call.

Board context: Why it mattered District staff described the educational service center (ESC) agreements and vendor contracts as a way to deliver federally and state‑mandated special‑education and alternative education services without hiring full‑time employees. Trustees asked how many students each contract would serve and whether the district receives state reimbursement for portions of the cost.

What the board approved and what staff said - Summit Educational Service Center primary service plan (2025–26): Doctor Gould said the primary service plan totals $366,109.54 and “services 4,981 students,” the district’s entire student population; he described the ESC as state‑funded and used to provide special‑education, gifted and general supports. The board approved the contract by…