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Board pauses vote on Emerald Learning Center contract after public safety concerns; item moved to May 14
Summary
Board members delayed a contract amendment for the Emerald Learning Center after public commenters raised concerns linking the provider to a prior program (Northwest School) with a documented history of complaints; directors asked staff to verify vendor identity and return with more information.
Directors pulled a consent-agenda item to amend the Emerald Learning Center contract for the 2024-25 school year after public testimony raised concerns about the vendors relationship to a previous provider and the districts oversight of out-of-district special education placements.
A public commenter who identified herself as Janice White urged the board to remove items 6 and 7 from the consent agenda and asked whether district staff know how many students are placed out of district and whether families are fully informed before consenting to ABA services. She referenced a Seattle Times article about Northwest School and cautioned the board against repeating past mistakes.
Board members asked staff to verify whether Emerald Learning Center is the same operator or connected to the previously cited program and to provide details before the board authorizes a contract amendment. Assistant superintendent Kurt Budleman told the board staff had heard the concern and would follow up with the vendor for clarification.
When Director Rankin moved to postpone consideration of Item 7 to the boards May 14 meeting, Director Mizrahi seconded the motion. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor of postponement.
The districts presentation included the dollar amounts on the consent item: a proposed amendment of $414,407 for 2024-25 that would raise the total contract to $1,329,287. Director Rankin and others asked staff to confirm whether the provider at the listed address is a new organization or the same operator previously criticized by families and local reporting.
Board President Topp indicated the item would return to the May 14 meeting after staff verification. Directors and staff emphasized protecting vulnerable students while ensuring district compliance with special-education placement rules and family protections.
