Board approves summer ABA services and a $75,000 sole‑source mental‑health contract for alternative program students

At the April 13 Edgecomb County Board of Education meeting the board approved two items expanding services for students with behavioral and mental‑health needs.

Haven Health: An owner and clinical director from Haven Health requested approval for Applied Behavior Analysis summer services to be hosted at G.W. Bulock Elementary from June 15 through Aug. 21 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.). The presenter noted the program will allow students with autism who receive school‑based behavioral services to continue therapy across the summer and reduce regression; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

Progressive Care Services: Earlier in the meeting Dr. Ryan moved to amend the agenda to add item 8.6. The board later approved item 8.6 — a sole‑source contract with Progressive Care Services Inc. to provide comprehensive mental‑health services (assessments, day treatment services, outpatient therapy and medication management) to students enrolled at Connections Learning Academy. The contract is funded through PRC 029 (behavior support grant) and was described as "not to exceed $75,000." The motion carried by voice vote.

What the motions mean: Both approvals secure external providers to deliver continuous behavioral and clinical services for students identified as high‑need, including summer coverage and ongoing outpatient supports. The Progressive Care contract was presented as a sole‑source purchase and tied to a grant fund; the Haven Health summer program expands in‑district summer service options.

Next steps: Contracts will be executed according to established procurement and grant‑funding requirements; board members asked no substantive follow‑up questions at the time of votes.