WFISD proposes hiring in-house remote speech-language pathologists to cut contractor costs and improve continuity
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Summary
District staff proposed recruiting and employing remote speech-language pathologists (SLPs) for WFISD to reduce reliance on contracted teletherapy, save on annual contract costs, and offer flexible remote options for on-site staff.
District staff presented a staffing proposal to reduce reliance on contracted speech-language pathologists and to recruit district-employed remote SLPs to deliver teletherapy.
Vanessa (staff member) presented the proposal, describing two components: "WFISD would recruit and employ its own remote SLPs to deliver speech services via teletherapy" and "offering remote work flexibility for on-site SLPs," allowing on-site SLPs to work remotely one day per week. Staff said the move aims to improve continuity of care and reduce contract costs while retaining on-site coverage where students need direct, in-person services.
Why it matters: Contracted teletherapy is a large recurring expense for the district and services for eligible students must meet IEP committee determinations. Vanessa said the district currently pays contracted remote SLPs at a daily rate that "significantly exceed[s] our internal pay scheme," and estimated a transition to in-house remote SLPs could save approximately $400,000 annually while providing greater staffing control and consistency.
Details presented: Vanessa said WFISD currently has four on-site SLPs and 13 contracted teletherapists supporting elementary and other students. The proposal would seek to hire remote SLPs as district employees, ideally converting contracted positions to district positions where possible; if not all positions can be filled, contracting would continue as needed. Vanessa described salary parity and scheduling differences — district-employed remote SLPs would be on WFISD payroll and subject to district hiring practices; on-site SLPs would retain options for longer calendars and in-person responsibilities. She noted that service frequency and duration for individual students is determined by ARD/IEP committees.
Board questions and clarifications: Trustees questioned how many SLPs would be required and how accountability for remote work would be managed. Vanessa described recruitment plans (job postings, Region 9 collaboration, Indeed, and district website) and noted some candidates had already expressed interest. Staff emphasized the proposal aims to reduce contracted expenditures and improve compliance and continuity, but that hiring qualified SLPs remains a challenge.
Outcome: The presentation was for discussion; no formal hiring action was taken. Staff said they will continue recruitment efforts and bring proposals back to the board as hiring results and funding details are finalized.
