Edgecomb board approves multiple contracts for transportation, driver education and therapy services

The Edgecomb County Board of Education on a voice vote approved a series of contracts and renewals intended to support student transportation, driver education and related services for the 2024–25 school year.

A staff presenter asked the board to approve a contract with Ronda Powell for private transportation services covering programs including Hope, Pre-K, exceptional-children services and support for homeless students. "The estimated total contract amount will be approximately $155,000," the presenter said; the motion to approve the contract, which would run July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, was moved, seconded and carried.

The board also approved the renewal of a contract with North Carolina Driving School for driver education through June 30, 2025. Staff said classroom instruction fees will increase by $10 per student and behind-the-wheel fees by $15 per student, a $25 per-pupil increase overall, and gave an estimated not-to-exceed total of $170,000 for the year. Board members asked about restoring more in-person classroom instruction; staff said they are recruiting additional instructors to increase face-to-face offerings.

Multiple vendors were approved to provide therapy and related services for students with individualized needs. The board approved a Creative Mobility LLC contract for physical-therapy services (presented at an estimated $115,000 to staff the district with one physical therapist and an assistant) and a Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness contract for occupational therapy (presented at $235,500). The presenter also described a speech-services contract for the 2024–25 school year presented in the meeting record at $510,000.

One vendor listed in the record, Kids Speak, was identified to provide speech-language pathology services. The transcript contains inconsistent dollar amounts for that vendor (at one point $25,000 and, later, $225,000); the board approved the motion on the vendor contract as presented.

Board members approved each item by voice vote. None of the recorded approvals showed roll-call tallies; actions were taken after motions were moved and seconded and were announced as carried by the Chair.

Next steps: contracts will be finalized and executed for the 2024–25 school year; the district said staff will continue recruiting additional instructors for driver education and will implement the contracted therapy services once provider agreements are in place.