Committee approves RFP for an ABA clinic at Davisville Academy, with conditions for later approval

The School Committee voted to release a request for proposals on June 17 seeking vendors to operate an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic co‑located with Davisville Academy’s preschool space, a privately operated service the district says would increase access for families who currently face provider shortages.

Administration described the concept as a contracted clinic that would offer half‑day ABA services and share space and utilities with the preschool while students would continue early education at the site. The administration described goals as “supporting families and accurately identifying the needs of their child,” helping families with Medicaid paperwork, and offering services to qualified students who otherwise cannot find ABA providers.

Committee members asked about the proposed location (classrooms 8 and 8A at Davisville were identified), transportation logistics, whether district staff would be asked to provide records or support, and whether the district would issue emails or other accounts to contracted staff. Director of Facilities Chris Murphy explained the rooms are two halves of a previously undivided classroom and said the district would provide space and utilities but not operate the clinic.

After members expressed the need for more detail on insurance reimbursement, the cost model, and whether other districts had attempted similar models, the committee voted to release the RFP so administrators could see who might bid and what business models would be proposed. One member said she would support releasing the RFP to learn more but did not commit to approving any future contract.

The vote to release the RFP carried 4–1. Committee members said they expect administration to return with bid responses and a detailed recommendation before any contract award and before any clinic opens.