Board of Education Special Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m.

Roll call was taken, Mr. Tad Johnson was absent.

In order to not detain the representatives from MVHC that came to present and answer questions about the proposed health clinic in our district, Dr. Hire requested that we move the MVHC discussion so it took place prior to the executive session.

Dr. Hire also asked the Board to approve an Addendum to be added to the original agenda. (minutes reflect addendum in section 7).

The agenda was approved as revised per the Addendum related to section 7, Superintendent Report and Recommendations - 7.1 Personnel and Dr. Hire's recommendation to change the order of the agenda..

Mr. Adkinson and Dr. Rick Fulkerson with MVHC were present at the meeting to present and answer any questions about the proposed clinic in the High School.

Dr. Hire explained that discussions about the clinic went on hold when the pandemic hit last year. The Board knows of the intention to put the clinic in HS. 

The representatives from MVHc passed out information that may answer any questions we may have.  They asked that everyone present please reach out to them if we have questions after reviewing this and after the presentation tonight. 

They explained that the MVHC school-based program is a program that provides access to families and students that may not seek access for various reasons. The MVHC School-Based program provides outreach where families feel most comfortable. The staff will offer what they can at the school for staff students and family members and make referrals where needed. There is primary care if needed. The objective is to serve the under-served - financially and geographically; engage young people about the importance of primary care; help them see the importance of keeping healthy. That is the ultimate objective. There may need to be additional support services medical, dental, behavioral,  etc. Getting young adults connected to healthcare it is a better way to keep people healthy. If finances aren't available there are funds available to help with this. MVHC begins care when they see the patient. they do not try to dig into the past. Transportation issues can be addressed, there are options.  MVHC tries to remove all of the barriers. Their mission is a healthier community. 

Mr. Hunt asked if a child comes in for mental health issues and it is determined that they need extra care but parents are not supportive, how is that addressed. The MVHC representatives responded that they will never make someone take care of any issues. If a situation arises that requires reporting then of course they will report, but otherwise will try to address the reason why the parents do not want support. If there are barriers, they can help address them. 

This program can be difficult for some to address. It is hard for parents to think about their child getting services without them there. MVHC staff does stay in contact and parents are always welcome. MVHC staff always reach out to the parents.

Dr. Hire stated, that this is a great opportunity, we will not force parents/students to do this. Parents will be involved the whole time. It is for convenience. We will start with staff and students and as we move along and can work out the details we may offer care for families. There can also be a place for telehealth as well. The clinic can leverage providers.

Mr. Clark asked about the staff.  The response was that on a normal day, the clinic will have an LPN and that Nurse Practioner (NP) will be in on a rotating basis. Telehealth is available all the times. The nurse takes vitals and assists, the NP makes a determination. The LPN makes parent contact and provides the result of the visit and communicates necessary information. Mr. Clark also asked if prescription medications are on site. The answer is no. 

Dr. Hire stated that they are not exclusively for our district. We will still have our own school nurses that will take care of our own students. This is beyond what we can handle in the school setting.

The MVHC representatives stated that regardless of the patient count, this is a long-term relationship and if we take nothing else away from this meeting, they hope we understand that this is their mission. They are committed to Coshocton County. This program works best if someone reports to the school nurse and she refers them to the clinic. If she has not reached out to her parents, the clinic does. 

Dr. Butcher asked about the transportation clause in the agreement. They explained that the clause means that the district is responsible for student transportation from the campus buildings to the clinic.  They stated that MVHC does have a van that can drive to pick someone up but that is not a responsibility of the school district. 

At this time, 8:00-4:30 are the planned hours. 

Mr. Clark asked about these scenarios -  outside the clinic a child is hit, can the clinic staff go out to treat that child. or if someone is injured or had a heart attack could they help with that situation?  The answer was yes, they would be able to respond.

The representatives from MVHC stated that there is one thing to point out before they leave - they do bill for services they provide. The majority of students have Medicaid coverage if they have private insurance they will bill the carrier. MVHC has the ability to reduce out of pockets based on income. They will never tell someone they cannot be served due to an outstanding balance.  Another issue they have experienced is that some parents think the school district is involved in the healthcare so information about HIPPA and privacy is adhered to. 

It was stated that the District needs to commit to providing the space, MVHC provides equipment and personnel. The District has the ability to use the ESSER funds and depending on funding from the state, maybe wellness dollars. This is a way we need to be working together to meet the needs of the people in our community. Dr. Faulkner and Mr. Adkinson stated that they are grateful and appreciate us putting trust in them as potential partners. Nurse Roberts has been instrumental in bringing this to the district as well as Mr. Fauver and Ms. Folkert. 

Vote to enter executive session at 5:37 pm.

The meeting resumed at 6:14 p.m.

This vote is inclusive of items 6.1 and  6.2

This vote is inclusive of items 7.1 and 7.2

The approved addendum has been added to 7.1 Personnel.

The board discussed possible dates the July meeting could be changed to. July 22 and June 29 were both considered. A decision will be made at the June 17 Board meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.