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Board delays changes to Southwest Behavioral Health contract after members raise funding and scope questions
Summary
After extended discussion, the Chandler Unified board voted to continue the district’s existing intergovernmental agreement with Southwest Behavioral Health Services while staff and attorneys review proposed contract language and implications for student services and district funding.
The Chandler Unified School District governing board voted Wednesday to continue the district’s existing intergovernmental agreement (IGA) and memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Southwest Behavioral Health Services (SBH) while staff and legal counsel review proposed contract language.
The item (agenda 6.06) drew extended debate at the June 25 meeting after board member David Heap proposed written amendments to limit the district’s payment obligations and to require reauthorization for services that extend into the next school year. Heap told the board he wanted clearer, written steps for when the district would be required to fund behavioral services provided by SBH.
Motions and outcome: Board member Royce Roars moved that the district continue the current IGA and MOU until any revised contract language is reviewed and approved. Roars’ motion was seconded. During public and board discussion staff noted multiple types of contracts and service arrangements with SBH — including agreements tied to the care center, IEP-driven services for special education students and separate intergovernmental agreements for other programs. Board members said the item raised practical questions about billing, parental approval, which programs are district-funded and how any changes would affect ongoing student services.
After formal roll-call the motion to continue the current agreements until revised language is approved passed 3 to 2. The board recorded three yes votes and two no votes; board members asked staff to work with legal counsel and SBH to return revised language for board review. Multiple board members emphasized that continuing the existing agreement was intended to avoid an interruption of services for students while language is clarified.
Why it matters: The contract governs how behavioral health services are provided to students, including some services that are part of individualized education programs (IEPs). Board members raised concerns about open-ended financial commitments and the need for explicit written authorization when district funds will be used to pay for SBH services. Superintendent Frank Narducci and staff urged caution in changing language that could create temporary service gaps for students while legal and administrative teams evaluate proposed amendments.
Clarifying detail: Board members noted the consent-item paperwork listed a $70,000 budget amount related to the contract and discussed the district’s responsibility for services billed by SBH only after written approval from a district education specialist. Staff said SBH provides multiple service arrangements — care-center services, IEP-related services in specialized programs, and other collaborative models.
Next steps: Staff and counsel will review the proposed contract amendments and work with SBH on revised language; the board asked that the revised IGA/MOU be returned for board consideration so the board can vote on any changes. A separate board motion earlier in the meeting removed items 6.06 and 6.09 from the consent agenda to allow this deeper review.
Direct quotation: “If the district is required to fund services, SBH program coordinator will email District Education Specialist the list of recommended services and their associated costs,” board member David Heap said while describing his proposed amendment to the contract.
