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Board approves special-education staffing plan and awards SLP contract to Best Life Therapy
Summary
The board approved the 2026–27 special education staffing plan (based on a May 11 student count), noted a program move to Broadford and added two SLP facilitators; it also awarded a one-year speech-language pathology contract to Best Life Therapy.
The Garrett County Board of Education on June 9 approved the district’s special education staffing plan for 2026–27 and authorized a one-year contract for speech-language pathology (SLP) services with Best Life Therapy.
Dr. Mangus presented the staffing plan, emphasizing that it was prepared from a May 11 point-in-time student count and that special education caseloads can change rapidly. She told the board the plan incorporates a move of the ALO regional program from Yakades to Broadford Elementary and adds two SLP facilitators to implement teleaotherapy while maintaining in-person supports.
The board moved to approve the staffing plan. During questions a board member asked whether the SLP positions were full time and Dr. Mangus confirmed the three SLPs reflected in the chart are Garrett County Public Schools employees (with one serving infants and toddlers in the birth-to-three program and two school-based positions), and that the district prioritizes in-person services for students who need them.
The district also ran an RFP for SLP services after posting a notice on May 14; five proposals were received. The district’s recommendation, approved by the board, was to contract with Best Life Therapy (Bridgeport, West Virginia) for a one-year term. District staff said Best Life Therapy provided two in-person SLPs during the prior year, is prioritizing in-person services again, and will supplement with teleaotherapy as appropriate.
CCAC update: The board received the annual Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (CCAC) report describing quarterly meetings, parent training and outreach, high county participation on the Maryland parent involvement survey, partnerships (including Special Olympics), transition and workforce events, and family-friendly engagement activities.
What happens next: District staff will implement the staffing plan, monitor caseload changes, and execute the SLP contract; the board approved both items by voice vote.
