Grace Health proposes 300-square-foot expansion at Springfield Middle School; district says construction will cost it nothing

District staff recommended the board support a construction expansion by Grace Health at Springfield Middle School that would add roughly 300 square feet to the school-based health center.

Herb Hayden, senior director of operations, summarized background from Ashley Roberts and said the additional space would enable Grace Health to serve more unique students and accommodate medical provider visits. Hayden said Grace Health recorded visits through October that included walk-ins and provider visits; he described the proposed work as moving an interior wall to add about 300 square feet and said the work would be completed over the summer to avoid disrupting the school year.

Hayden said the expansion would come at no construction cost to Battle Creek Public Schools, though the district would assume occupancy costs such as cleaning. "For them to take on the bulk of the cost ... it comes at no cost for Battle Creek Public School," Hayden said. Board members asked whether the classroom space being adjusted would remain within district classroom needs; Hayden said the classroom impacted would still meet required classroom-space parameters.

Trustees asked why the work was not completed during an earlier remodel; Hayden said Grace Health initially proposed an exterior build but the cost was prohibitive, and the interior reconfiguration was selected as a no-cost alternative for the district. The transcript does not record a formal vote to approve the expansion.

The transcript records the recommendation and answers to trustees' questions, but no motion or vote is included.