Board approves contract with Celiant Health for occupational- and physical-therapy staffing amid statewide shortages

The Madison District Public Schools board approved a client-services agreement with Celiant Health LLC to supply occupational therapy and physical therapy staffing for the 2026–27 school year after administrators said recruitment produced no qualified in-house candidates.

Superintendent Perry and other administrators explained the decision by pointing to a statewide shortage of qualified special-education related-service providers; postings were up in May but yielded no qualified applicants for OT positions. Perry said administrators had reviewed applicant pools and that, "to address this need," contracting with a staffing company will ensure the district remains compliant with federal and state special-education requirements and that students receive services in their individualized education programs (IEPs).

Trustees debated the trade-offs of contracting versus hiring permanent employees. One trustee said they preferred in-house hires for continuity and cultural buy-in; others noted the advantage of continuing to use therapists who have worked in Madison for the past two years. Administrators explained the contract includes a clause allowing the district to pull out with notice, but that agencies run their own staffing cycles and may have no-compete provisions that prevent immediate direct-hire conversions.

The board approved the agreement by voice vote. Trustees emphasized a preference to hire in-house if qualified candidates become available in the future, but supported contracting now to secure consistent providers for students.