District seeks part-time speech-language services amid hiring challenges; virtual option included

Central School District administrators told the board on Aug. 4 they are seeking a part-time speech-language pathologist under contract while they continue active recruitment for a district hire. A district staff member explained, "We are running this contract concurrently with posting the position. We are attempting to hire a part time speech language pathologist here at the district. However, our history has told us that's been difficult position to hire even full time." The staff member said the contract is intended to ensure the district can meet students' Individualized Education Program (IEP) service requirements should recruitment be unsuccessful. Board members asked whether virtual speech therapy is acceptable. A district staff member replied that the district has used virtual services in prior arrangements, "especially with some of our older students," and said the approach had worked under supervision in previous partnerships with an intermediate unit. The staff member said the position had been posted for approximately 10 days to two weeks and that no applicants had been received at that point. The speech-language pathologist contract was placed on the August 11 meeting agenda for formal approval; no final action was taken at the Aug. 4 planning meeting. Board members and staff indicated they would continue active recruitment and that the contract would be used to maintain compliance with IEPs if a district hire is not available before services must begin.