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Sheldon ISD approves contract increase to expand speech services amid staffing shortages
Summary
Facing shortages of licensed speech providers, trustees approved a contract not to exceed $98,000 with contracted providers (including Seagull Ventures) to ensure in‑person bilingual speech services for students while continuing recruitment for permanent staff.
Sheldon ISD trustees voted to approve an expanded services agreement to secure contracted speech services after administrators described acute staffing challenges and unmet student need.
Presenters told the board 536 students currently qualify for speech services, 221 of whom require speech‑only support while 315 require multiple services. Administration said the district had requested two additional speech positions, but candidate shortages and competition from private contractors made hiring difficult.
To bridge the gap, staff recommended extending contracts with firms identified through the district’s Branching Minds agreement, including Seagull Ventures, which the district used this year and reported as responsive. Administration presented an estimated contract increase of about $98,000 to cover the services and bilingual coverage where needed.
Trustee motion language recorded at the workshop asked the board to "approve the 1st service agreement" not to exceed $98,000 for the 2024–25 school year and to authorize the superintendent to approve payments that do not alter contract time or terms. The board moved (Miss Archie), seconded (Martinez), and the motion carried on a voice vote.
Administrators said the district will continue to recruit permanent staff and reassess vacancies in spring; contracted services were described as an interim, more‑reliable option to ensure students receive in‑person services where possible.
What’s next: staff will return with contract documents and, in spring, an updated staffing plan to determine whether to post newly funded positions.
