Board hears request for $114,000 occupational therapy contract; action deferred to work session

District staff presented a proposed contract on July 10 to purchase occupational therapy services for the coming year, with an annual value of $114,000 for a full‑time occupational therapist. The presenter said the contract would fund a licensed occupational therapist working the equivalent of the district's licensed calendar but without paid holidays, sick leave or personal leave; staff said substitute coverage for an absent therapist is not guaranteed given workforce shortages.

Board members asked whether the $114,000 covers a single individual or a team and whether a replacement would be available if the therapist were ill or otherwise unavailable. Staff confirmed the contract would fund a single licensed occupational therapist working in person and that last year the district relied on a mix of an online contractor and an occupational therapy assistant; this year the district expects an in‑person licensed therapist. Staff said the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides guidance when services cannot be provided short‑term due to illness but large or extended absences would be handled on a case‑by‑case basis.

Several directors said they lacked a printed copy of the contract in their meeting packet. The superintendent and other administrators recommended the board defer formal action until members have had an opportunity to review the contract text. Staff committed to make the contract available in the board book and to return the matter to the board at the next work session for formal action.

No formal vote occurred on July 10; the board requested the contract be added to the board packet for the upcoming work session so members and the public can review the full agreement before action.