The Lynn School Committee voted to transfer $350,000 from salary accounts to non-salary contract services to pay external providers for vision, hearing and speech therapy for special-education students in FY25.

Administration told the committee the transfer is needed because of insufficient applications for certified vision, hearing and speech therapists; the district intends to contract with external agencies to provide services while it addresses underlying salary and hiring issues in negotiations. Doctor Colella explained that contracted providers are non-benefited and hourly, rates vary by certification, and the position postings will be closed for the school year if the funds are moved to contract services.

Committee members asked whether the $350,000 figure is sufficient and whether the arrangement is temporary. Staff said the estimate is close, that contracts and rates are still being finalized, and that agency staffing should be in place within roughly two weeks to relieve overburdened staff. The administration emphasized that the transfer covers the current budget year (FY25) and that the district will revisit staffing and salary levels during upcoming negotiations.

The motion to transfer the funds passed on a roll-call vote (majority in favor; Member Satterwhite absent). The committee recorded appreciation for therapists continuing to provide services under difficult conditions and asked administration to return with longer-term solutions.