The HESD governing board on Aug. — ratified an amended and restated memorandum of understanding with the Ventura County Medical Managed Care Commission (Gold Coast Health Plan) to place a Gold Coast care ambassador at district school wellness centers, a district official said.

The program is intended to connect students and families to health services and community resources that district staff say can affect students' ability to learn. "Tonight, I'm very excited to share information about a new program that will directly benefit our students and families," said Simone Gossamasquez, senior director of student support services, during the meeting.

Gossamasquez and Gold Coast's care ambassador described the role and how it will operate. Alejandra Solis, introduced at the meeting as a Gold Coast Health Plan member care ambassador, said she will work in the community and at school sites to help families navigate covered services. "I am a Gold Coast health plan member care ambassador and have been with the Gold Coast Health Plan organization for about 2 years now," Solis said.

According to the presentation, the ambassador will act as a direct link between families, health-care providers and community agencies; make referrals for covered services such as mental health, dental and vision; and collaborate with site MTSS teams, school nurses and health clerks. The district cited last school year as an example in which "over a 100 students needed reading glasses," saying the ambassador can help families secure appointments and transportation.

District staff said the position will be placed at the district wellness centers to begin as a trial and could expand if successful. The presenter described a rotating schedule that covers multiple days at the named wellness centers and weekly visits to an additional site; staff characterized the arrangement as a pilot and said Gold Coast would consider expanding services if the pilot shows results.

District staff emphasized that the ambassador will meet with guardians or parents when making referrals and that providers—not the ambassador or the district—collect personal medical information. Gossamasquez said the partnership aims to "remove the barriers and break down the silos by connecting families to critical resources."

The governing board moved to ratify the amended and restated memorandum of understanding. The motion was made by Ms. Gomez and seconded by Ms. Bruno. During roll call, board members recorded aye votes; the motion passed.

Board members asked several operational questions during the discussion, including how the ambassador would support "academic success" and whether nonmember families could access referrals. Staff said the ambassador would make referrals and help families schedule appointments and that nonmembers would be eligible for one-time referrals through the ambassador. Staff also said the pilot focuses on a limited set of wellness centers because the initial MOU built on prior wellness-center agreements.

The presentation called for the board to ratify the amended and restated MOU among the Ventura County Medical Managed Care Commission (Gold Coast Health Plan) and the district; the board approved that ratification during the meeting.