Board approves therapy contracts, AIG plan, payroll calendars and $180,000 lottery application for Baskerville roof

At its May 12 meeting the Edgecombe County Board of Education approved multiple operational items: contract addenda for occupational and speech therapy services, approval for Kidspeak to provide ESY and compensatory speech services, the district's Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) plan for 2025-28, payroll calendars for 2025-26, state-funded teacher supplement pay (PRC-071) for FY 2024-25, and a lottery application for approximately $180,000 for roof repairs at Baskerville Elementary.

Contracts: The board approved an addendum with Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness Inc. to increase occupational therapy services (noting increased pre-K referrals) and later approved an addendum for speech therapy services from the same vendor. The board also approved a contract with Kidspeak to provide speech-language pathology services covering ESY (Extended School Year) and compensatory services while some therapists are on maternity leave.

AIG plan: District staff described limited changes to the AIG plan, clarifying identification rules for transfer students (they automatically enter AIG), parent consent procedures, and that semester progress reports will be sent to parents. Staff said the district is developing differentiated curriculum and supports academic coaches to help classroom differentiation. After discussion, the board approved the 2025-28 academically and intellectually gifted plan.

Payroll calendars: Human-resources/finance staff presented payroll calendars for multiple employee groups and explained how summer-program payrolls will be handled (summer-feeding and grant-funded programs are paid from their specific funding sources). The board approved the 2025-26 payroll calendars.

Teacher supplement: The board approved the state-funded teacher supplement (PRC-071) payment for teachers and certified instructional support personnel for FY 2024-25; the presenters clarified which fiscal year the motion covered during discussion.

Lottery fund application: The board approved submission of a lottery fund application for approximately $180,000 to repair the roof area (kitchen/cafeteria/media center) at Baskerville Elementary, noting the application must also be approved by the county commissioners and signed before being forwarded to the state. Staff estimated work to start in July with expected completion by August and said the district does not yet have a contractor lined up.

Each of these items passed by motion, second and voice vote during the meeting.