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Board approves independent psychologist contract as public commenters raise qualifications concerns
Summary
The board approved an independent-contractor agreement with Tara Dugas for school psychological services at $100 per hour while members of the public questioned hiring practices and documentation for district psychologists.
The Parkland School Board approved an independent-contractor agreement to provide psychological services with Tara Dugas at an hourly rate of $100 for a one-year term with annual renewals. The committee recommendation (item 9.03) passed on voice vote.
During public comment, Laura Winscastle expressed concern about the qualifications and background of recently hired psychologists, saying the record submitted in a Right-To-Know request lacked letters of recommendation and asserting the hires reflected a political or ideological agenda. "If there are no letters of recommendation, then how did she come highly qualified?" Winscastle asked.
Administration responded in the meeting'level public comment summary that the independent licensed school psychologists provide testing and evaluation services required by state special-education processes and may contract with multiple districts. The board approved the contractor motion after committee recommendation; the motion text and the contracting rate are recorded in the agenda materials.
The approval and public comments leave open follow-up questions about hiring documentation and the district's use of independent contractors for special-education evaluations; administration offered to meet with commenters to discuss specifics and said right-to-know requests are handled through established channels.
