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Volusia School Board approves $1.8 million contract for speech‑language pathology assistants after split vote
Summary
After extended public comment from district speech‑language pathologists, the Volusia County School Board voted 3‑2 to approve a two‑year, piggyback contract—up to $1.8 million total—to hire speech‑language pathology assistants (SLPAs) to help cover unmet student needs while staff said the contract repurposes previously approved therapy funds.
The Volusia County School Board voted 3‑2 on Dec. 9 to approve a two‑year piggyback contract to secure speech‑language pathology assistants, a move district staff said uses funds already authorized in a prior therapy contract and is intended to fill immediate service gaps.
District speech‑language pathologists urged the board to reject the item, arguing the district should instead invest in higher pay and retention for master‑level SLPs. “Instead of continually investing into contract companies, it's time to invest in the clinicians who have committed the years, the financial burden, and the graduate level training to serve students in Volusia County Schools,” said Alyssa Sherkow, a district…
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