Board approves Spectrum and SPG contracts to fill specialized special‑education services

The Vallejo board voted to approve two contracts to serve students with intensive special‑education needs: a contract with Spectrum Center to provide non‑public school placements and a larger staffing contract with SPG Therapy & Education to deliver specialized staff and virtual services.

Executive Director Hardy said Spectrum serves approximately 15 Vallejo students and is a California Department of Education‑certified non‑public school that provides high staff‑to‑student ratios for students with complex needs. "These are students who really require a very small campus because of sensory and behavioral needs," Hardy said.

Trustees asked whether the district could reduce reliance on out‑of‑district placements and contractors. Assistant Superintendent DePaseo and Director Hardy described a deliberate strategy to recruit district staff and phase contractors out as internal hires become available, but acknowledged shortages in credentialed specialists statewide. For the SPG contract—about $8.87 million on the agenda—staff said the agreement funds roughly 65 specialized positions (speech, occupational therapy, behaviorists) and that the Bay Area Collaborative vets and sets fee schedules for such vendors.

Trustees pressed for transparency on where the money comes from and how long the district can sustain contractor spending; staff said some costs are covered by special education allocations and that the district is implementing position control and hiring efforts to reduce contractor reliance over time. Both motions passed on roll call (each recorded as 4 ayes, 1 absent).