Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves renewals for special‑education services totaling more than $1.55 million
Summary
Trustees approved a set of renewals for nonpublic agencies and services for special‑education supports for 2026–27, including speech services, behavior technicians, ASL interpreters, a physical therapist and a nonpublic school placement; trustees noted much of the cost comes from the general fund.
The Lammersville Joint Unified governing board approved multiple contract renewals to meet students’ IEP needs for the 2026–27 school year, with staff explaining that some services are provided by nonpublic agencies because the district cannot always recruit for specialized positions.
Approvals included a renewal with Summa Academy LLC for one student’s specialized academic instruction at a cost of $104,235.75; renewals for speech‑language pathologists and an assistant totaling $644,436; a Weldon Inc. contract for a physical therapist at $112,868; renewals with nonpublic agencies for registered behavior technicians at $454,928; and American Sign Language interpreter contracts totaling $235,270. The board also approved a legal‑services agreement with Dennis Woliver Kelly (DWK) for special‑education counsel not to exceed $75,000. Staff said the district uses a mix of funding and that much special‑education spending exceeds state and federal reimbursements.
Trustees moved the items individually (or as grouped consent items where noted) and most motions passed with 4 ayes and 1 absent. Trustee Mody observed that the totals represent a substantial district investment and noted that the general fund covers shortfalls when state and federal funding do not fully cover special‑education costs; Superintendent Dr. Nicholas agreed.
Next steps: contracts will be executed as authorized; trustees asked staff to continue efforts to recruit in‑house candidates while using nonpublic agencies to meet immediate student needs.
