Board approves service agreements including virtual speech-language services; staff say assignments and billing details still to be decided

The Board of Education approved the consent agenda items that included service agreements for speech-language and related services, including virtual providers, after discussion and a roll-call vote. Board members approved the consent items listed as 5 c through m; the minutes item (5 B) was removed for a separate vote.

During discussion, Board of Education member Mark (last name not specified in the transcript) asked for details about which schools the four virtual speech-language practitioners would serve and how virtual sessions would work alongside existing in-person staff. Staff member Kyle responded that assignments were "to be determined" while the district finalizes service agreements and staffing. Kyle said the district would consider student developmental needs when assigning in-person versus virtual staff and that paraprofessionals, administrators or other on-site staff would help facilitate virtual sessions. "All of our contracts, with the exception of 1 that's on the consent agenda, is for up to 37 and a half hours per week," Kyle said, adding that contractors do not work during district summer closures and that billing has varied in past weeks when individuals were absent.

The board's roll call on the consent agenda (items 5 c through m) recorded yes votes by Nick Atwood, Steve Byers, Jose Jaquez and Mark Sherwat (transcript names as read). No amendments to the contracts were recorded at the meeting. The board did not adopt additional direction about school-by-school assignments; Kyle said specifics would be finalized after contracts are approved and staffing decisions are made.