Board reviews contract to recruit special-education teachers and several transfer requests

District staff presented a professional educational services agreement with a recruitment firm the district has used to source special-education teachers from the Philippines, saying the district is short several special-education positions across buildings.

Staff explained the cost structure: about $2,000 per educator plus an administration fee of $5,500, totaling roughly $7,500 per educator to bring candidates into the district; the agency provides insurance coverage through its program rather than district insurance.

The discussion also covered transfer requests and certification pathways. Staff described a transfer request from paraprofessional Kaylee Cardell, who has completed the first phase of a special-education program and is pursuing certification. Board members and staff clarified certification timelines (about three years in the pathway described), practicum requirements and the district’s prior practice of offering tenure timing tied to certification completion. Staff recommended a three-year completion expectation for new hires pursuing certification, with nonrenewal if certification is not complete within that timeframe.

Separately, staff revisited a land transfer application that had been denied previously by county superintendent Tim Clark for vagueness; the applicant reapplied clarifying that property should move from Sidney Elementary districts to Savage Elementary and Savage High School districts. Staff said the land is already in the Savage high school district and projected a net fiscal gain from the transfer because of tuition differences.

Next steps: Staff will continue recruitment work, bring candidate and contract details for board consideration, and proceed with transfer paperwork as recommended by administration.