Districts are also exploring diverse and novel approaches to private contracting, outside of the more traditional food, busing and janitorial sectors. The authors were surprised, for instance, to hear about the degree to which districts are hiring companies to provide substitute teachers.

Other areas that haven’t garnered much publicity include contracts for athletic coaches,ix administrative services (secretaries),[17] business services (accountants)[18] and principals.x Other unique approaches included contracting for psychology services[19] and even a school nurse.[20] Mattawan Consolidated Schools in Van Buren County signed a three-year contract with Ralph Moyle, Inc. to clean district buses at a rate of $7 per cleaning per bus.[21]

ix Districts contracting for athletic coaching include Belding Area Schools, Capac Community Schools, Holton Public Schools, Jackson Public Schools, Meridian Public Schools, Marenisco School District and White Cloud Public Schools.

x Districts that indicated that they contract for at least one principal include Armada Area Schools, Beaverton Rural Schools, Clawson Public Schools, Jackson Public Schools, Marlette Community Schools and Rapid River Public Schools.