Board asks staff for more detail on proposed managed‑service provider for EC related services after cost questions
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Summary
District staff proposed using a managed service provider (MSP) to consolidate contracts for nurses, speech pathologists and sign language interpreters; staff said projected contract spending rose about $997,000 to cover projected vacancies and market rate increases, and several board members asked for more detail before a vote.
District staff briefed the board May 27 on a proposed managed service provider (MSP) arrangement to consolidate multiple third‑party contracts that provide related services for students with special needs. Brooke Bryan, director of related and itinerant services, and Dr. Laura Holland, senior executive director of instructional services, presented the rationale for the MSP: a single vendor could provide centralized invoicing, candidate selection standards, timesheet and absence reconciliation and an easier path for direct hire of effective contractors.
Staff said the projected contractual amount for the coming year is higher than previous years — roughly an additional $997,000 — driven by higher market rates for contractors, increased vacancies and the district’s added need for 1‑to‑1 nurses and sign language interpreters. Bryan said the MSP removes administrative burden from district staff and offers a pathway to convert a contractor to a direct hire within a year without a typical recruiter fee.
Board members asked detailed implementation and cost‑control questions. Several members pressed staff on why the projected cost rose nearly $1 million, whether the district could continue current contracting with multiple vendors at lower total cost, and how the MSP’s vendor fees are assessed. Staff said the MSP model charges vendors a management fee (described as ~5%) but that Sunburst (the named MSP in presentation materials) would not bill the district for the management service; instead, vendors would pay the management fee to Sunburst.
Board members requested additional time and information. One board member cited concern about approving a contract that would increase a major expenditure while the district is addressing a large current‑year deficit. Dr. Holland and Ms. Bryan agreed to provide more detailed line items, comparative vendor pricing, and clearer projections of vacancies vs. direct hires before the board considers an action item.
Ending: The board did not vote on the MSP proposal at the May 27 meeting and asked staff to return with further financial details and options before any contract award.
