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Board authorizes $450,000 audit amendment and staffing contracts to cover special‑education needs
Summary
The Board approved a $450,000 amendment to its audit contract (6–1) to cover additional audit services and approved two staffing‑agency contracts intended to fill special‑education vacancies and leaves; district leaders said agencies will invoice only for staff actually deployed and described parallel internal pipeline programs.
The Saint Paul Board of Education authorized three staffing and contract actions Tuesday aimed at finishing the district audit and covering short‑term special‑education staffing needs.
By a 6–1 vote the board authorized Superintendent Stanley to approve Amendment 3 to contract 2022‑2297, increasing the audit contract by $450,000 to cover additional consulting hours and reporting requirements. Director Vu cast the lone no vote, after asking what written notices and documentation auditors provided when additional services were anticipated. Chief Seager said the district maintains frequent contact with its auditors and cited a recent example in which the firm helped the district secure $2 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act funding.
The board also authorized two staffing‑agency contracts to provide licensed special‑education teachers and long‑term substitutes when vacancies or extended leaves prevent direct hires. Assistant Superintendent Missler told the board there were about 11 current special‑education teacher vacancies and estimated the agencies might be used to support approximately 2–10 positions depending on need; she also described internal strategies to build local capacity, including graduate‑level pipelines, a residency program with University of Saint Thomas and a state special‑education pathway grant that helps employees obtain licensure.
Board members confirmed that staffing agencies will bill only for actual deployed staff. Director Franco and others asked for continued emphasis on internal recruitment so the district is less reliant on contract staff in future years.
The motions to authorize the staffing contracts passed unanimously.
