Outside agencies could be hired to fill special education service gaps

In plain English

The district's Special Services department is asking the board to approve an addition to its list of outside agencies it can hire during the 2026-2027 school year and the 2027 Extended School Year (summer) program. These outside providers, called Non-Public Agencies, would fill in when the district cannot hire staff for hard-to-fill jobs such as speech-language pathologists, and would also provide Independent Educational Evaluations and specialized services required by settlement agreements. A yes vote would let the district contract with three named agencies: Santa Cruz ABA, EVALsolution Psychology Corp., and Waltz Behavior Group.

Students with disabilities are legally entitled to the services written into their Individualized Education Programs, and this approval is how the district plans to keep those services going when a position sits vacant.

Key facts

Covers the 2026-2027 school year and the 2027 Extended School Year (ESY) program
Three agencies proposed: Santa Cruz ABA, EVALsolution Psychology Corp., and Waltz Behavior Group
Uses listed include staffing for hard-to-fill positions, services for students in private schools through grant-funded programs, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), and services required by settlement agreements
Prepared by Megan Hunt, Executive Director, Special Education
Placed on the consent agenda, meaning it is voted on with other routine items unless a board member pulls it for discussion

Reasons to support

Without outside providers, a vacancy in a role like speech-language pathologist could interrupt services the district is legally required to deliver under students' Individualized Education Programs.
Approving the agencies in advance means services can start without waiting for a separate board vote each time a need comes up mid-year or during summer school.
Some of the work, such as Independent Educational Evaluations and services set by settlement agreements, requires specialists the district does not employ.

Reasons to oppose or change it

The item does not state a dollar amount or rate for any of the three agencies, so the board would be authorizing contracting without a spending figure in front of it.
Relying on contracted providers is described as temporary while recruitment continues, but it can reduce pressure to solve the underlying staffing shortage by making district positions competitive.
Contracted staff rotate in and out, which can mean less continuity for students than a permanent district employee who knows them year to year.

Official wording

Approve the Addendum to Non-Public Agencies and Contracted Service Providers for Special Services/SELPA as Needed During the 2026-2027 School Year. Prepared by: Megan Hunt, Executive Director, Special Education Special Services partners with non-public agencies for a variety of purposes to ensure students receive required services and supports. These agencies may provide staffing support for hard-to-fill positions, services for students attending private schools through grant-funded programs, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), and specialized services required through settlement agreements. Special Services works closely with the Human Resources Department throughout the year to recruit, hire, and retain qualified staff, including difficult-to-fill positions such as speech-language pathologists and other specialized service providers. While recruitment efforts remain ongoing, vacancies can occur due to workforce shortages and other factors beyond the District’s control. To maintain continuity of services and ensure compliance with student IEPs and legal obligations, PVUSD Special Services seeks authorization to continue partnering with and contracting with qualified Non-Public Agencies (NPAs) when necessary. If vacant positions cannot be filled for the 2027 Extended School Year (ESY) program or the 2026-27 school year, NPAs may be utilized on a temporary basis to provide services while recruitment efforts continue. This approach also allows the District to access specialized evaluations and services required to meet individual student needs. Below is a list of agencies proposed to work with for the 26-27 school year. Santa Cruz ABA EVALsolution Psychology Corp. Waltz Behavior Group

Official agenda

Summary written by claude-opus-5 from the agenda. It can contain mistakes. The official documents govern.