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Board approves contracts to expand special-education and related services
Summary
The board approved multiple contracts to secure a 1:1 nurse, expand virtual speech-language services, add virtual speech-language pathologists and a temporary school psychologist to address assessment backlogs; contracts were presented as cost-saving replacements for prior agreements.
At the Oct. 28 meeting the Elizabeth City‑Pasquotank Board of Education approved a set of contracts intended to expand and stabilize special-education (EC) services across the district.
Miss McPherson presented five contract items: a contract with DBA Avina Healthcare to provide a dedicated 1:1 nurse for a student with significant medical needs; a virtual speech-services contract with Gate City Speech Therapy (described as dual-language capable) to replace a prior vendor at a reduced rate; an amendment to the School Psychologist Group contract to add four virtual speech-language pathologists (two ready to start the week of the meeting, two by Nov. 18); a renewed agreement with Lingo Speech Services clarifying caseload management and potential overage rates; and an additional school psychologist through Dec. 1 to address a high volume of referrals and bring the district back into compliance with evaluation timelines.
McPherson said the changes will allow the district to provide speech and psychological assessment services more broadly while managing costs; several virtual staff can start immediately. Board members moved and seconded the motion to accept the contracts, and the vote was recorded as unanimous for those present.
Next steps: District staff will finalize contracts and begin onboarding the contracted providers; the board requested oversight as the district implements these services to ensure timely evaluations and continuity of care.
