Board approves RFP for speech-language services as district reports widespread vacancies
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Summary
Hillsborough County School Board voted unanimously to issue a request for proposals for contracted speech and language therapy after staff described a countywide shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs). District officials said roughly 14,000 students receive services and vendors currently cover a substantial share of open positions.
The Hillsborough County School Board unanimously approved a request for proposals (RFP) for contracted speech and language services (agenda item C301) on April 8, following extended discussion about a regional shortage of licensed speech-language pathologists.
District leaders said the system serves about 14,000 students with speech or language disorders and relies on contract providers to fill vacancies. Superintendent Van Ayers told the board the district counted 277 total SLP units and that contract services were covering roughly 95 of those positions in 2024–25; staff said vacancy counts have varied in recent months and may be around 100–103 openings.
Why it matters: SLPs deliver therapies and diagnostics required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and state rules. Large unfilled caseloads, the district said, create reliance on private vendors, increase costs and risk uneven service delivery.
Discussion highlights - Compensation and recruitment: Board members and district staff discussed recent pay changes intended to improve recruitment. Shannon Lesperance, director of Exceptional Student Education, and Deborah Llewellyn, supervisor for speech and language, said the district moved SLPs onto a higher pay scale and added a $1,500 supplement plus a $750 licensure supplement; staff said the changes helped recruit more candidates in the most recent hiring cycle. - Vendor costs and service models: Staff said some vendors are able to provide virtual services; those arrangements often require on-site facilitators and carry higher per-session costs. Board members urged the district to advertise aggressively in markets where layoffs or changes in other health-care sectors might provide candidates. - University partnerships: District staff reported active affiliation agreements with Gannon University, USF and FSU to host graduate externships and identify candidates for district hire.
Board action The motion to approve C301 (Request for proposals for speech and language services) was made by Member Combs, seconded by Member Washington, and passed unanimously.
What the RFP will do Staff said the RFP will allow the district to continue using contracted providers to maintain required therapy and diagnostic coverage while the district pursues additional in-house recruitment and retention measures.
A follow-up asked for a recruitment packet and clearer public messaging about new pay and supplements so board members could assist outreach to potential hires.
Votes at the meeting were unanimous; no board member opposed the RFP.
