SEDNET is an acronym for The Multi-Agency Network for Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities, which agency is under the supervision and control of Clay County District Schools. Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. d/b/a LSF Health Systems, LLC ("LSF") has maintained a contractual relationship with the School Board of Clay County, Florida through SEDNET for several years. The contract allows LSF, a non-profit corporation that obtains funds from both federal sources and pursuant to a contract with the State of Florida, to then contract with regional SEDNET units, of which the Clay County School District is one, to provide mental and behavioral health resources to students in need throughout the Northeast Florida region which consists of Duval, Clay and Nassau counties. SEDNET acts as an independent contractor to LSF and provides the contracted behavioral and mental health services through its employees, agents, and responsibility, as well as the requirements binding SEDNET are the subject of the attached contract. The total commitment by LSF, which theoretically should equal the expenditures by SEDNET for the 2025-2026 fiscal year are $219,333.60. This amount, as well as all terms, are set forth in the attached contract which is in fact a five (5) year contract, ending with the 2029-2030 fiscal year for a total of $1,096,668.00. There are minor amendments to this contract submitted periodically as required by LSF. Most amendments increase the total amount of the contract by 5% or less. It is expected that the School Board will ratify this contract, thereby allowing the Superintendent to execute the minor amendments to the contract that occur routinely. Without such ratification, each minor amendment to the contract will have to be brought to the Board, which action will create a lag in the availablity of resources. The Board Attorney, in collaboration with the Supervisor of SEDNET, the Supervisor of Purchasing, the Assistant Superintendent of Finance, and the Superintendent of Schools, all occur that it is imperative for the Board to be aware of the existence of this contract and that the Board ratify the contract in order for the month to month operations of SEDNET and its implementation of the contract with LSF to continue without interruption. Pusuant to current School Board Policy all future Master contracts between LSF and SEDNET would require approval by the School Board.

The attached contract is  a five (5) year contract, starting with the 2025-2026 school year and ending with the 2029-2030 fiscal year for a total of $1,096,668.00. The yearly amount is $219,333.60.

These funds have been used to meet the individualized needs of students requiring supportive mental health and behavioral services.

It is expected that the School Board will ratify this contract, thereby allowing the Superintendent to execute the minor amendments to the contract that occur routinely.

To allow SEDNET to continue to provide the programs and services of the youth-focused group See You At The Top (SYATT). SEDNET will continue to provide individualized mental health services and devise individualized plans for students with significant mental health needs.

Approve the attached contract.