Private equity targets public school services amid provider shortage

During a recent government meeting, Doctor Chorris raised concerns regarding the involvement of private equity in the provision of services for students, particularly in the context of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). He noted that the limited number of providers capable of delivering these specialized services creates a challenging situation for school districts, which are mandated to comply with Individualized Education Program (IEP) team decisions.

Chorris emphasized that while the district must adhere to these decisions, the increasing interest from private equity firms in profiting from public school services raises ethical questions. He acknowledged the growing preference for ABA therapies among families, which has led to a surge in demand. However, he called for further discussions on the appropriateness of ABA as the primary method for behavior modification in students.

The conversation also touched on the logistics of service provision, clarifying that the district pays for therapists provided by external organizations, with the specifics of service delivery dependent on individual IEPs. Chorris concluded by expressing openness to further inquiries and discussions on the topic, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to accessing and evaluating behavioral services for students.