We request approval of the Renewal Contractual Agreement with Professional Interpreting Consultants, Inc. for sign language interpreting services for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) to provide interpreter services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Interpreter services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, 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, Inc. has provided services to the school district for 14 years.

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

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.