Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education.special Education.contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves roughly $1.7 million in special‑education contracts for 2025–26
Summary
Trustees approved multiple one‑year contracts covering occupational therapy, RBTs, speech services, interpreters and physical therapy that together total more than $1.7 million, with board discussion stressing staffing shortages and the practical need to contract for specialized roles.
At its July 16 meeting the Lammersville Joint Unified Governing Board approved a series of contracts to supply specialized services the district said it could not reliably staff internally. The board voted to contract with Pioneer Healthcare Services LLC for an occupational therapist and assistant at a total cost of $242,040 for 2025–26. Trustees then approved registered behavior technician contracts totaling $442,290, speech‑language contracts totaling $650,016 and a speech‑language assistant contract for $120,048. The board also approved contracts for American Sign Language interpretation totaling $255,050 and a physical‑therapy contract for $93,408.
Director Manley and other staff framed contracting as a response to a tight labor market for specialized positions. "It's hard to find people," Dr. Nelisk said when staff explained the reliance on outside agencies; Manley added that contractors can sometimes pay more and provide temporary support when students do not need long‑term service. Each contract motion was moved and seconded by trustees and carried 4–0 with one absent. The board discussion noted that contracting does not necessarily reduce program quality but is a budgeting and staffing decision the district will continue to evaluate.
