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Board approves $40,000 boost to occupational‑therapy contract to maintain IEP services
Summary
Raleigh County Schools approved a $40,000 increase to its Therapeutics contract, raising the total to $160,000 for 2025–26; administrators said the increase is needed to maintain uninterrupted occupational‑therapy services after multiple staff leaves and to remain compliant with IDEA and state policy 24/19.
The Raleigh County Schools board approved a $40,000 increase to the district's occupational‑therapy contract for the 2025–26 school year, bringing the contract total to $160,000.
District staff told the board the additional funds are necessary to ensure continued direct occupational‑therapy services and to meet obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and "policy 24/19" of the West Virginia Board of Education. Officials said multiple occupational‑therapy staff took extended leaves this school year, leaving the district reliant on contracted services to deliver supports specified in students' IEPs.
Staff explained that of three full‑time district occupational therapists, one has been out for the entire school year, a second went out on leave in November, and a third recently began leave; contracted services have been covering the absent staff's caseloads. Administrators said the $40,000 increase covers services from the time the most recent therapist went out through the remainder of the year.
Board members voted to approve the increase. Administrators said their expectation is that district therapists will return next year and that contracted spending should decline when staff are back on duty.
