Catoosa County School Board hears Kelly Education pitch to outsource custodial, nutrition staff as budget pressures rise

Catoosa County School Board members heard an informational presentation March (date not specified) from representatives of Kelly Education on using a contracted staffing model for classified positions, and reviewed a financial report showing rising state health-insurance costs and current fund balances.

The presentation, given by Lisonbee Cozart and Bobby Shore of Kelly Education, described a staffing model in which Kelly would employ custodians, child nutrition workers and other classified staff while the district retains school- and district-level supervision. Cozart told the board, "Your mission is our mission," and said Kelly manages recruitment, payroll and absence tracking while offering weekly pay, optional health coverage and retirement plans for employees.

Superintendent Nicks framed the discussion by saying the state legislature is crafting an FY2026 budget that the district expects will require Catoosa County Public Schools to pay about $22,620 per year for each employee who takes health insurance — a change presenters and staff said has substantially increased projected district costs and prompted the exploration of contracting alternatives. District…