Approve Increase in Annual Contract Amount with Beth Ingram and Associates, Inc. as the Primary Vendor for RFP 4650-KJ - Client Services for Speech-Language Pathology (Exceptional Student Education)

On September 6, 2005, the School Board awarded RFP #4650-KJ to Beth Ingram and Associates, Inc. for Client Services Speech-Language Pathology in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 annually.

Due to the increased number of students requiring the services of speech-language pathologists, the district is requesting approval to increase the annual contract amount with Beth Ingram and Associates, Inc. by $600,000 annually, not to exceed $2,600,000 annually.

The district has averaged 30 speech-language pathologist vacancies this school year, and as a result has relied more heavily on the contract agency than what was originally anticipated. In addition, the agency also provides therapy for 221 pre-school children who are in daycare centers or Board of County Commissioners' Head Start centers.

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

The increase of $600,000 annually for services will be included in the Department of Exceptional Stduent Education's Budget through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.