Committee backs CESA 1 special education membership and services contract not to exceed $125,000

The Germantown School District finance committee voted to forward to the full board a positive recommendation to renew membership and services with CESA 1 for the 2025–26 school year at a not‑to‑exceed amount of $125,000, charged to the special education flow‑through budget.

Katie Cole, the district’s director of pupil services, said the contract includes a basic membership fee for professional networks and development for special education leaders, seats in alternative placement programs (including one seat previously called Distinguished Scholars and now named similarly in CESA), two Ozaukee Community High School seats, and audiology services driven by IEP needs. Cole noted orientation and mobility and vision services are now procured separately and were removed from this contract.

Committee members asked about insurance and liability language in the standard CESA 1 contract. Staff confirmed the district must maintain its own insurance coverage for services performed on district sites and that contractors also carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance; the contract requires insurance at amounts “at least the minimum amount required by law.” Committee members also asked why one paragraph in the contract appeared in all capital letters; staff said it appears to be boilerplate formatting from a vendor template and agreed to follow up with CESA 1 for clarification.

Motion and next steps: The committee approved forwarding the contract to the full board with a positive recommendation. Staff said CESA 1 provides standard contract language used across member districts and the contract will continue to be reviewed by district staff as needed.

Endnote: Committee members emphasized the professional development and placement continuity the CESA membership provides to support special education services.