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Holmen seeks 0.5 FTE speech‑language pathologist to reduce heavy caseloads
Summary
Student services staff asked the board to approve posting for a half‑time speech‑language pathologist to address caseloads that exceed recommended levels and to reduce reliance on contracted virtual providers.
Holmen School District Student Services staff asked the board on June 9 to approve posting for a 0.5 full‑time‑equivalent speech‑language pathologist to address high caseloads and reduce contracted services.
Executive Director of Student Services Jill Mason said caseloads have grown and some speech‑language pathologists are serving in the mid‑50s, with one provider reported "in the 70s." Mason described speech and language as a mandated service under students’ Individualized Education Programs and said the district would prefer to add a half‑time district employee rather than continue higher‑cost contracted virtual services. "It does require more staffing to help facilitate that whole process," Mason said, and she recommended posting a 0.5 FTE position that would be used districtwide though initially assigned where the majority of need exists.
Mason said the district has struggled to find local contracted providers and that several contracted services are virtual or out‑of‑state. She said the proposed position would help with Medicaid billing and reduce contracted costs over time.
Board members asked about assignment and billing; Mason said the position would be posted with district‑wide responsibility but initially deployed based on caseloads after boundary changes are finalized in July. The staffing request was placed on the consent agenda and included in the consent agenda motion the board approved later in the meeting.
