Several contracts for physical and occupational therapists were approved by the Newton County Board of Education at its May 21 board meeting.

The individuals will provide physical and occupational therapy services to Newton County School System students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs.

Agreements included two contracts for physical therapy with Lynda Reagan, contracted for 111 days (three days/week and three workdays) for eight hours a day at a rate of $57.50 per hour; and with Carla Duncan for 149 days (four days/week and four workdays) for eight hours a day at a rate of $55 per hour.

Occupational therapy contracts approved by the board were for Laverne Roper-Ramkisson for 186 days, eight hours a day at a rate of $52.50 per hour; Laverne Shelton for 186 days, eight-hour days at a rate of $52.50 per hour; Jessica Crutchfield for 149 days (four days/week and three workdays) for eight hours a day at a rate of $53 per hour; Jennifer Sorrow for 149 days (four days/week and three workdays) for eight hours a day at a rate of $52.50 per hour; Crystal Hutcheson for 186 days at a rate of $50 per hour; and with Stephanie O’Neal Rutledge for 186 days at a rate of $55 per hour.

Therapists work eight hours a day and are on payroll status with employee benefits. Hourly rates for Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists are based on years of experience with the Newton County School System and the level of degree obtained.

Also at the meeting, the BOE approved the purchase of the BrainPOP subscription — an online animated learning program; and renewed its PD 360 contract — an on-demand library of professional teacher development resources.
The BrainPOP subscription will be for 18 Title I Schools in the school system for a total of $26,778. Title I funds will be used to make the purchase.

BrainPOP has a variety of resources for teachers and students, such as flash-based movies, quizzes, and experiments for subject areas including Math, Science, Social Studies and several others. The program will be used at 11 elementary schools, five middle schools and two of the high schools.

The PD 360 program will be used to make professional learning more effective, convenient and sustainable, according to school system officials.

The program bridges the gap between training and classroom implementation and is said to fine-tune teaching skills. PD 360 is a total of $39,995 and will purchased using federal funding.