Dr. Kim Bullard, director of Exceptional Children Services, presented four annual contract renewals to the board for services used by students who qualify for special education supports.

Contracts presented for renewal were: John E. Sexton & Associates for audiological services (billing $505 per day, three days per week, plus mileage); Sandhills Children’s Center (developmental day placements) at the state reimbursement rate ($999.10 per child per month for the 2019–20 school year, paid in 10 monthly installments; the contract serves up to 35 children ages 3–5); Maxim Healthcare for individual nursing services ($37 per hour, not to exceed 7.5 hours per day per nurse); and All American Interpreters for the Deaf for sign-language interpreting services ($45 per hour, or $67.50 per hour with less than 24 hours’ notice, plus mileage). Bullard said none of the contracts included price increases from the previous year. She noted interpreting services were currently required for two students as identified in their individualized education programs.

Board members asked clarifying questions about student counts and how the funds are used; staff noted these contracts deliver services at student locations (in district schools) and are funded through the exceptional-children budget and state reimbursement mechanisms where applicable. The items were placed on the consent agenda for the upcoming regular meeting and staff asked the board whether to include all listed consent items for next week; board members confirmed putting 3a–3f on consent.