JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Board of Education approved the purchase of new vision and hearing screeners, along with the renewal of three medical assistance program contracts, during its recent public meeting.
All board members gave unanimous approval for updating the hearing and vision screening equipment. Becky Bigelow, Exceptional Education Director, explained that at certain grade levels, especially Pre-K, students must complete physical screenings for both vision and hearing before starting their assigned classes.
Bigelow expressed her excitement over the board’s decision, stating that the new equipment will allow schools and nurses to better serve students. “We screen all of our Pre-K students, and we are updating our equipment because we’re able to now, and I’m so excited about it,” said Bigelow.
The three contract renewals involve services the Board of Education partners with annually: Southern Rehab and Aquatics (now Southern Rehab Physical Therapy in Kimball), Stellar Therapy Services LLC, and Allied Instructional Services, a major education management company that supports students with disabilities.
These services are available to students across all public schools in the county. Bigelow emphasized that the programs are specifically for children who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and require specialized support.
Motions for all four agenda items passed unanimously, ensuring county schools will continue to have access to the three essential medical services and new, updated screening equipment.
