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Board approves $777,470 contract with EPIC Special Education Staffing to fill vacancies
Summary
The board approved a one‑year contract with EPIC Special Education Staffing to provide special education teachers and school psychologists, citing current vacancies; the contract is estimated at $777,470 and funded by federal and state grants.
The Savannah Chatham County Board of Education approved a one‑year contract with EPIC Special Education Staffing on Aug. 13 to provide special education teachers and school psychologists to address current vacancies. Staff described the contract as an as‑needed professional services arrangement for the 2025 fiscal year.
District staff said the estimated cost for EPIC Special Education Staffing is $777,470, composed of $216,000 for professional services (psychological services and testing) and $561,470 for teachers. Staff indicated funding will come from a combination of federal and state grants.
During discussion, a board member asked why the district had not used a bidding process for this item given its dollar amount. Staff responded that multiple vendors were reviewed, that the district has used this vendor in prior years for similar services, and that they would provide clarity to the board about procurement compliance. The board member said the public should be assured that the district is following competitive procurement and stewardship practices.
Action taken: The board moved and approved the contract with EPIC Special Education Staffing for a one‑year period at the estimated total cost of $777,470, with funding to come from various federal and state grants.
Why it matters: The contract addresses immediate operational needs to provide special education instruction and psychological services while the district continues recruitment for permanent staff. A board member urged the district to evaluate salary scales and recruitment strategies to reduce reliance on contracted services.
What’s next: Staff said they would confirm procurement compliance and report back to the board as requested; the special education department will track usage of contracted services and pursue recruitment to fill vacancies.
