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Board authorizes contracts for nursing, speech and sign-language interpreters; Medicaid reimbursement discussed
Summary
The board approved multi-vendor contracts for nursing services, speech-language pathology and sign-language interpretation for special-education students and heard staff describe Medicaid cost-settlement estimates for reimbursable services.
Berkeley County school board members on Aug. 4 approved contracts to secure nursing services, speech-language pathologists and sign-language interpreters to support special-education students for the 2025-26 school year.
Sam Turner presented the contracts and said they were awarded after request-for-proposal processes in May, evaluated on price, capacity, past performance and ability to maintain collaborative relationships. Turner said the supplemental agreements are intended to ensure service continuity and avoid reliance on single vendors.
Board members asked whether anticipated state or federal Medicaid funding changes would affect the district's ability to pay for services. Turner said the district's Medicaid cost-settlement reimbursement in recent years has typically averaged roughly $2.1 million to $2.5 million depending on statewide cost-report factors and billings. He said the district had not been given specific federal or state guidance indicating an imminent reduction in settlement methodology that would affect current contracts and that officials would notify the board if further information arrives.
The board approved the contracts as presented. Staff said these vendor agreements are meant to maintain service continuity and create redundancy rather than rely on a single supplier.
