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Holdingford board approves virtual speech therapy contract, funds security door replacement
Summary
Facing an unfilled SLP vacancy, the Holdingford Public School District approved a roughly $90,000 virtual speech-language pathology contract with Lighthouse Therapy for 7/1/2026–6/30/2027 and authorized a grant-funded door replacement to boost security.
The Holdingford Public School District Board of Education on July 15 approved a virtual speech-language pathology (SLP) services agreement and a grant-funded door replacement as part of routine business during its regular meeting.
Because the district was unable to find a local SLP to hire, the board approved an agreement with Lighthouse Therapy for virtual SLP services covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, at a cost of approximately $90,000. Ben Christensen moved the motion and Pat Meier seconded; the motion carried, with all members present voting in favor.
Director of Finance & Operations Garrity Gerber told the board the decision reflected difficulty recruiting an SLP and the district’s need to ensure services are provided for students. The contract was presented as an operational necessity to meet special-education obligations while the district continues to search for onsite candidates.
The board also approved a $21,640.93 quote from Mid Central Door to replace door 15. The replacement is to be funded by the Round 2 Cyber and Building Security Grant, Gerber said. Evelyn Martini moved the motion to accept the quote; Nicole Burg seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Gerber reported that, after an earlier denial on a separate bus grant, the district did receive a $15,000 bus grant and a $22,000 Cyber & Security Grant. He said the district’s budget is currently trending on target.
Board members framed the SLP contract as a stopgap to preserve services for students while recruitment continues. The board did not specify which programs or line items will be adjusted if the cost differs from the estimate; the motion record lists the approximate cost as presented.
The board adjourned at 6:35 PM. The Public Listening Session remains scheduled for Aug. 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
