Board tables proposed policy on private student-service providers after parent concerns over access and MOUs

The Swain County Schools Board of Education discussed a proposed policy (04/2021) that would limit private therapy and service providers from delivering services during school hours unless the student has an IEP or an approved memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the district.

A parent, Bree Crisp, told the board she had submitted a draft MOU from a provider called WNC Sprouts and said the provider would not require district payment and would submit to background checks. "All I'm asking is for early interventions to be put in place so that my child does not get behind in school," Crisp said, adding that her daughter did not qualify for school-provided OT through an IEP and that in-home or private OT could help her learn and stay on grade level.

Board members sought clarifications about how the policy would affect existing contracted services such as Cartwheel and university partnerships. Staff explained that contracted providers (for example, university speech services or contracted physical therapists) operate under MOUs or contracts and are distinct from private providers paid outside school funding; those private providers would generally be expected to operate outside school hours unless an IEP or MOU authorized in-school services.

After discussion, Speaker 16 moved to table the policy for additional clarification; Speaker 13 seconded the motion and the board voted to table consideration of policy 04/2021.

Next steps: the board asked staff to prepare clarifications about which existing services are covered by contracts or MOUs and how the proposed policy would affect current providers; the item is expected to return for further review at a future meeting.