Board approves long-term substitute and SPED services contracts; details and durations clarified
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Summary
The board unanimously approved a long-term substitute contract (Dec. 1–April 30; 94 workdays) and approved a FY25–26 virtual special-services (SPED) contract after questions about billing and prior spending; the SPED motion passed 6–1.
At its Nov. 20 special meeting the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education approved two personnel-service contracts after members asked for clarifications on duration, billing and budget impact.
Long-term substitute: The board approved a long-term substitute contract for an RTI intervention specialist assigned to Fawn Mountain Elementary. Staff confirmed the engagement runs Dec. 1, 2025–April 30, 2026, representing 94 workdays; the motion passed unanimously (7–0).
SPED special services: The board also approved a special-services contract to provide speech-language services for FY25–26. Staff said the new private-contractor arrangement bills both hourly and daily depending on services; the contract lists $102 per hour and a 35-hour workweek (listed as $717.50 per day). Staff told the board that the prior virtual-services provider had billed about $16,600 to date and that this contract is substantially equivalent in rate while offering additional hours and potential travel. The SPED motion passed 6–1, with one member dissenting.
Board members said the contracts were needed to maintain services for students — particularly special-education supports — and staff recommended awarding the contracts to ensure continuity while the district develops internal capacity.
