Flagler School District updates mental health partnerships with new legislative requirements

The Flagler County School Board held an agenda workshop on April 8, 2025, focusing on several key issues, including the utilization of health services and updates on facility renovations.

A significant discussion centered around the usage of the district's health clinic. Board members expressed concerns about the clinic's accessibility, noting that while there are available slots, many staff members are unable to secure appointments with their preferred practitioners due to scheduling limitations. To address this, the clinic management has introduced a direct call line for same-day appointments, which aims to improve access for those needing urgent care. The board acknowledged that the current clinic services are not exclusive to Flagler District employees, which has contributed to the challenges in securing timely appointments.

In addition to health services, the board reviewed ongoing renovations at the courthouse. The renovations include updates to several floors, the addition of a kitchen, and improvements to accessibility features. The project is expected to be completed by mid-summer, with a goal of moving all programs into the renovated space by the start of the new school year.

The meeting also touched on financial matters, including vendor payments and budget amendments related to staffing shortages in specialized roles such as speech language pathology. The board discussed the necessity of reallocating funds to cover contracted services when positions remain unfilled.

Lastly, the board addressed updates to memorandums of understanding with community mental health providers. These updates are in response to new legislation requiring stricter data privacy measures when sharing student information with external providers.

Overall, the workshop highlighted the board's commitment to improving health services for staff and students, enhancing facility accessibility, and ensuring compliance with new legislative requirements regarding mental health services. The next meeting is anticipated to delve deeper into these topics and address additional concerns raised by board members.