Board approves Stellar backup contract after debate over virtual services

The Bledsoe County Board approved a contract extension with Stellar to serve as backup OT/PT and speech‑language support, but the vote followed a heated exchange over whether virtual services had been delivered as billed in previous months.

Mr. Cory Garrett, the district’s special education supervisor, described the Stellar contract as a contingency to ensure continuity should in‑person services be unavailable. Board members pressed staff about reports that some students had not received contracted virtual services earlier in the year and asked how the district would verify delivery and withhold payment if services were not provided.

A district official told the board: "If services are not provided, they're not paid," noting the district’s obligation to enforce contract terms. Board counsel and supervisors said they had updated contract language in recent drafts to tighten liability and reporting requirements.

Some members argued that in‑person services are preferable and that Stellar should be limited to backup roles. The board approved the Stellar backup contract by roll call, with close votes recorded on the motion; the board also voted earlier to approve three in‑person SLP contracts intended to reduce reliance on virtual services.

The board instructed staff to continue monitoring vendor performance and to ensure contract provisions include reporting, liability insurance, and the district’s right to withhold payment if services are not delivered.