Del Valle ISD seeks vendor contract to cover special-education staff shortages; trustees probe scope and costs

Del Valle ISD staff informed trustees on Nov. 4 that the district continues to face significant special-education staffing shortages that threaten service continuity.

Staff recommended approving a contract exceeding $50,000 with ProCare Therapy to provide related services (occupational therapy, speech-language services and similar supports) and to staff two on-site positions immediately. Executive Director of Special Education Nicole Roberts said the district has allocated FTEs for these positions but has been unable to fill them through regular hiring; contracting is intended to preserve continuity of services while recruitment continues.

Trustees asked whether the contract costs will be offset by funds already budgeted for the vacant positions. Staff responded that the district will use budgeted FTE dollars to cover the contractor and that contracting is typically more expensive than a direct district hire. Trustees also queried how many vacancies exist (staff said roughly 15 special-education teacher vacancies and several related-services vacancies across the district) and whether contracted staff will work on-site (staff said yes). The presentation emphasized the district’s long-term goal to convert contracted roles into district hires when possible.

No formal contract award vote occurred Nov. 4 — the item was presented for information and is scheduled for action at a later meeting.