We request approval of the Renewal Contract Agreement with Professional Interpreting Consultants for sign language interpreting services for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) to provide interpreter services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Interpreter services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students are required by federal laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1974, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Professional Interpreting Consultants have provided services to the school district for 13 years.

Sign language interpreter services are utilized as needed by approximately 200 deaf and hard-of-hearing students to access their regular education classes. Interpreter services are provided to short-term assignments and substitutes at school sites. Services are also provided to deaf and hard-of-hearing parents whose hearing children attend our schools and require a sign language interpreter. These interpreting services provide parents access to parent-teacher conferences, assemblies, and performances in which their children participate.

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates

Funds are included in the divisional general operating budget. Funds are utilized as needed throughout the school year to provide interpreting services at the rate of $60 per hour.