Requesting recommendation of contract with Presence Learning for speech teletherapy services.

Additional staffing companies have been working to locate Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs).  Due to the critical need for, and shortage of SLPs, non-traditional means of support have been explored.  

Several teletherapy companies have been vetted and explored.  Teletherapy companies provide speech therapy via an interactive Skype-like process.  This will be used in special education classrooms with the teacher present for any support needed or in the media center with an adult present.  

Three quotes were obtained from teletherapy companies to provide 2 FTEs to serve 110 students (equivalent to 2 SLPs):

Presence Learning $192,350
eLuma Therapy      $193,800
Voco Vision           $197,600

Presence Learning is the lowest quote and the most recommended by other school systems (Walton and Murray Counties).  

$475,000 was approved for SLP salaries in the 2017-2018 budget in the general fund

$225,000 will pay for 3.5 newly hired positions

$289,550 cost of contracted therapists

$39,500 excess cost to the district above already budgeted amount for these services