Board approves renovation at Central Office for on‑site SSM Health clinic; staffing contract to follow

The Verona Area School District board voted to approve renovation work at the Central Office garden level so the district can host an on‑site clinic operated in partnership with SSM Health (referred to in presentation as Dean/SSM Health). The board approved the renovation plan and authorized staff to execute contracts to reach a guaranteed maximum price for construction.

Superintendent (referred to in the meeting as Dr. Clarity) and operations staff described the Garden Level at Central Office as a practical site because it is accessible, offers parking and sits within walking distance of many district staff. Operations presenter Chad Weezy said the district expects cost efficiencies through a design‑build approach and the project team is targeting a guaranteed maximum price well below a stated $750,000 maximum threshold in the consent memo presented to the board.

The board’s vote: a motion to approve the proposed renovation carried after a motion by Joe and a second from Corby; all board members present voted in favor. The board also discussed related budget items: the staffing and service contract with SSM Health (four clinicians/staff positions were described) will be brought to the board for contract approval; staff said the staffing costs were included in a budget amendment approved at the previous meeting and will be built into the preliminary 2025‑26 budget.

Why it matters: district staff said an on‑site clinic will expand access to primary care and behavioral health services for staff and families and will be designed with separate access and access control to avoid mixing clinic visitors with school populations. Staff emphasized both physical security measures and ADA improvements as part of the renovation plan.

Key details - Location and program: garden (lower) level of Central Office; features described include exam rooms, a behavior health room option, waiting/triage area and separate exterior access to avoid mixing clinic traffic with the main office circulation. - Procurement approach: staff proposed a design‑build method with a guaranteed maximum price established before final contracts; three quotes were obtained and the recommended approach intends to leverage on‑site team input (facilities and builder) early in design to control cost. - Budget and schedule: the consent memo set a $750,000 cap for board consideration; staff said they expected to come in below that cap. The staffing contract with Dean/SSM Health was described as likely to be on the next meeting’s agenda. - Staffing and services: staff described four clinic staff to be funded and reflected in the 2025‑26 preliminary budget; the district paid start‑up costs via prior budget amendment and expects the recurring staffing cost to be included in the upcoming budget cycle.

Discussion vs. decision: the board authorized the renovation and the guaranteed‑max approach (formal vote). The operational contract for services and final construction contract will be returned to the board for approval; staff was directed to finalize design with the selected design‑build team and SSM Health.

Next steps: finalize a guaranteed maximum price with the chosen contractor; return with the final SSM Health services contract and construction documents for signature and budget incorporation.