Board approves MOU to change speech‑language pathologist overage pay, aims to bring services in‑house

Vicky Zanes and Director Fisher presented a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Santa Rosa City Schools and the Santa Rosa Teachers Association on Dec. 17 that revises how speech‑language pathologists (SLPs) are paid for caseload overages. Previously, SLPs received a flat $15 per student per day for overage caseloads; the new arrangement moves toward a workload model in which extra time is time‑carded and equalized with other specialist staffing practices.

Staff said the change should allow the district to bring more SLP services in‑house (reducing reliance on contracted, mostly virtual vendors) and is expected to produce roughly $100,000 in positive fiscal impact through the year. The board approved the MOU by roll call; Trustee Prack abstained.

Staff noted the MOU emerged from recent bargaining and expedited review with the county to allow action before January. The district indicated the change is intended to improve service continuity and on‑site collaboration for IEP teams.

Next steps: HR and special education leadership will coordinate implementation to shift overages to a workload/timecard model and pursue in‑person SLP hires as feasible.