School board endorses resolution supporting proposed Ascension Saint Thomas hospital expansion; some members question scope
Summary
The board voted 6-0 to support a proposed trust and expansion by Ascension Saint Thomas to bring hospital services to Clarksville; while several members urged regional health investment, at least one speaker said the issue is better placed before county commissioners.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board voted 6-0 to adopt a resolution supporting a proposed trust or Ascension Saint Thomas bringing hospital services to Clarksville. A motion to adopt the resolution was made on the record and seconded; the board approved the measure unanimously. Board supporters said more hospital capacity is needed for a growing county and tied health care to student attendance, staff well-being and family stability. One board member said they "strongly support the resolution" and urged community participation at the certificate-of-need hearing in Nashville scheduled the next day. At least one speaker stated that the decision to support the hospital proposal is not primarily a school board issue and suggested county commissioners are the more appropriate body to decide on hospital-related public policy. Supporters noted that the city council and county commission had already issued similar resolutions and described the board's vote as aligning with other local elected bodies. The record included an invitation for community members to attend the Certificate of Need hearing in Nashville; no amendments or conditions were recorded on the resolution during the meeting.
