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Board debates $2 million increase to contracts for exceptional‑student staffing; members ask for vendor breakdown
Summary
Finance committee requested approval to increase purchase orders for exceptional‑student staffing vendors by $2 million to cover projected needs through June; board members asked for a vendor‑level breakdown and supporting documentation before final approval.
The Muscogee County School District finance committee asked the board Jan. 13 to authorize an increase of up to $2,000,000 to existing purchase orders for vendors supplying staffing for exceptional students, bringing the projected total to roughly $3,000,000 for the fiscal year. Staff said the increase reflects unanticipated vacancies, higher hourly rates for some specialties (notably nursing staffing), and projected needs through June.
Executive Director Synchrystal Poitras told the board staff had reviewed vendor hours and calculated projected increases and that a breakdown by vendor can be provided. Several board members said they were uncomfortable approving a blanket $2,000,000 increase without vendor‑level detail and asked staff to supply a line‑by‑line breakout (and to ensure future actions comply with board policy requiring individual approvals for expenditures above $15,000 where applicable).
The finance report also included other items: a $24,240 purchase exception request, a $20,000 professional services item for the Coca‑Cola Science Center (elementary math and science programming), and budget adjustments including a $3.2 million movement in the general fund to cover prior year costs and staff bonuses. Staff committed to share vendor breakdowns and revised agenda materials in time for the next vote.
