Northshore board approves Emergis contract additions, pushing total above $3 million

The Northshore School District Board of Directors voted to approve added spending for a contract with Emergis that district staff said pushes the total for the vendor above $3 million.

Superintendent Dr. Justin Irish told the board the district previously approved a purchase for Emergis totaling $2,852,092.92 and that subsequent additions of $165,753 “have increased the overall amount, bringing it above the $3,000,000 mark.” He said Emergis provides 1-to-1 and some 2-to-1 behavior technicians and board-certified behavior analysts to serve students with special education needs as noted in their individualized education programs.

The board discussed the need for specialized behavior support that classroom teachers cannot provide and raised concerns about the fiscal effects of recent tax changes. As one board member said, “This is one of those things that continues to be needed for our students that have complex behavior needs that can't be met by just classroom teachers.” Superintendent Irish and the board emphasized that services are required by students' IEPs.

Board members also noted the district will pay sales tax on the services; Superintendent Irish characterized that as “another example of a non‑funded mandate.” The board took no action to change funding sources during the meeting.

After brief discussion, the board moved and voted to approve the additional amount for the Emergis contract. The meeting record states the action passed; no roll‑call tally was read into the record.