Board approves $15 million IDEA K–12 grant application, preschool entitlement and contract for physical therapy

Marion County School District staff presented federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding requests and a contracting item during the Aug. 26 board meeting. The board approved submission of the K–12 entitlement grant application in the amount of $15,000,000, the preschool entitlement application for $463,000, and an independent-contractor agreement with Chrysalis Physical Therapy LLC for $95,000.

Assistant or director-level staff explained the $15,000,000 “big grant” funds many supplemental positions and services in the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program. The staff member described the allocation as supporting roughly 265 district employees: about 208 paraprofessionals, 28 behavior specialists, 14 behavior technicians and nine administrative staff, plus curriculum materials, assistive-technology equipment (including braille and audio devices) and speech-therapy testing materials.

Board Member K. Orr questioned the approximately $3,000,000 in roll-forward funds from the prior year; staff explained roll-forward dollars are previously awarded but unspent federal funds the district may carry into the current year for large-ticket purchases or upcoming needs (for example, curriculum programs or specialized equipment). Staff emphasized roll-forward is not guaranteed and that budget planning typically assumes the awarded base amount (about $11,000,000 without roll-forward) when setting recurring positions.

The preschool entitlement application was described as an early-intervention resource to evaluate and serve 3–5-year-old children so they require fewer supports when entering kindergarten. The Chrysalis Physical Therapy LLC agreement was presented as a necessary contractor resource to address an increase in students with physical needs (staff noted new students arriving in wheelchairs) and to supplement district therapists.

All three items were approved by unanimous vote (5–0).

Clarifying details - IDEA K–12 entitlement application amount: $15,000,000 (includes roll-forward dollars). - Roll-forward from prior award: staff cited “over $3,000,000” carried forward into the current award. - Positions supported (approximate): 265 employees total — ~208 paraprofessionals, 28 behavior specialists, 14 behavior technicians, 9 administrative staff. - IDEA preschool entitlement: $463,000. - Independent contractor agreement for physical therapy (Chrysalis PT): $95,000.

Board action Motions to approve each grant application and the contractor agreement were made and seconded; all passed 5–0.