Visalia-based Medical Billing Technologies (MBT) has acquired Siras Systems, a company from Santa Barbara, to merge their expertise in special education program development, documentation, and billing. This move brings together decades of experience to create a unified solution for school districts.
Kelly Lingenfelter, president of operations at MBT and co-owner with her brother Reid Stephens, said the merger aims to help schools better access state and federal funding. “Our biggest priority has always been making sure schools are able to maximize their funding and stay in compliance,” Lingenfelter said. “By bringing MBT and Siras together, we’re giving districts a single system that connects documentation, billing and reporting in a way that just hasn’t existed before.”
MBT was founded over 30 years ago by Roberta Stephens. The company focuses on helping rural and underserved schools manage special education billing requirements. Siras Systems started in Ventura County as a software provider tracking individualized education plans (IEPs) and other compliance needs.
Brian Marcontell, former vice president at Siras who now manages operations under MBT after the acquisition, said this integration will simplify processes for school clients. “Districts have always had to juggle multiple systems,” Marcontell said. “This integration means that the data collected in classrooms ties directly to the reporting and billing schools need. It’s going to save educators time and reduce the risk of costly mistakes.”
Lingenfelter noted that beyond improving efficiency, the merger is intended to support student outcomes as well. She explained that many districts are experiencing declining enrollment but increased demand for special education services; combining resources can help them make better use of what they have.
