Board approves sole‑source contract for in‑person special‑education teacher amid staffing shortage

The Kent County Board of Education unanimously approved a sole‑source contract March 10 to secure an in‑person special‑education teacher for the high school for the remainder of the year.

Administration explained that despite consistent recruiting efforts (job fairs, university outreach and staffing agencies) the district has not been able to hire a qualified in‑person special educator for the high‑school inclusive program. The recommended sole‑source contract with Soliant Health LLC would provide an in‑person teacher through the remainder of the school year for a total cost of $33,750; administration told the board this is below the district threshold that typically requires additional procurement steps, but they brought it forward for transparency because it is sole‑source.

Mister Rhodes moved approval and Miss McKenzie seconded. Trustees asked about oversight and reporting; administration said the contractor will be required to follow KCPS policies and that the district will manage onboarding and supervision. A district official said the contractor would co‑teach in inclusive classrooms, manage IEP progress monitoring and support assessments, and would be integrated into district supervision and evaluation procedures.

Administration also discussed longer‑term recruitment steps, including grow‑your‑own pipelines and regional initiatives to expand the special‑education workforce on the Eastern Shore. The board recorded unanimous approval and authorized administration to proceed with onboarding.