Walworth County board renews three-year contract with consulting school psychologist

The Walworth County Children with Disabilities Education Board voted May 22 to renew a multi-year contract with SC Consulting to continue providing school psychology services at Lakeland School.

Board members heard that the contract followed the retirement of school psychologist Jody Bronson and a recruitment effort that produced two applicants who were judged not to meet the specific needs of the school. Staff said the consultant had filled the role this year and “has done an absolutely wonderful job” supporting students and staff, and recommended a three-year contract with annual increases pegged to the countywide cost-of-living adjustment.

During discussion board members pressed staff on cost comparisons between contracting and hiring a full-time employee, noting payroll taxes and benefit costs. Staff responded that direct contracting can sometimes appear more expensive in gross pay but avoids agency-markup rates that could approach a 40% premium and provides continuity while the district continues recruitment efforts.

The board moved to approve the consulting arrangement and adopted the motion by voice vote. Members were told the item will be forwarded to the finance committee for additional review of the contract terms and budgeting.

The board record shows the consultant may terminate the contract early if needed and that annual raises would follow the same COLA applied to county employees. No individual vote tallies by name were recorded in the meeting transcript; the action was adopted by voice vote.