The Hamilton County Board of Education voted to remove a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Centerstone from the meeting agenda and directed the administration to run an RFP process for mental-health services in schools.

Board member Jody Schaeffer moved to pull the Centerstone MOU "until we go through the RFP process," and the motion was seconded. After discussion, a roll-call vote to amend the agenda passed 7–4, carrying the motion to remove item 9A from the evening’s agenda.

The vote came after multiple board members and speakers raised concerns about continuity of services for students and how the district would structure future provider arrangements. Superintendent Dr. Robertson said the district expects to release the RFP and “fully expect[s] to bring vendors back to you in November.” She added that a recommended vendor structure would cover the remainder of the current school year with provisions to extend into future years.

Board members questioned whether removing Centerstone immediately would leave students without services. Board member Ben Connor and others expressed urgency; Schaeffer argued the RFP would better establish provider qualifications and countywide options. School attorney Michael Bennett told the board the administration would screen applicants and make recommendations to the board if the RFP is released. "At that point in time, we would have a memorandum of understanding with anyone who would be qualified to provide services in our schools," Bennett said, and noted press reports indicating Centerstone intends to apply.

Board members asked whether specific providers appear in individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans; Bennett said the district makes a point of not listing specific providers on IEPs and that district employees are generally required to provide IEP services. "If it's an IEP service, a Hamilton County employee is required to be providing that," Bennett said, adding he could not categorically say there are no isolated records where a provider name appears but that the district should not contract by naming a provider in IEPs.

After the amendment passed, the board approved the evening’s agenda as amended.

The administration told the board that, depending on the structure the board prefers, the RFP could produce a single countywide provider, a short list of qualified providers from which parents choose, or a menu of services from multiple providers.

What happens next: If the board approves issuing the RFP, administration will screen applicants and return recommendations to the board for any MOUs. The superintendent estimated vendors could be brought forward in November; the district said the intent is to have services available for the remainder of the current school year, with provisions for future extension.

Quotes in this article are attributed to board members and administrators who spoke during the corresponding agenda discussion.