Madison Local secures $50,000 planning grant to explore school‑based health center

Madison Local Schools announced on Dec. 17 that it will explore establishing a school‑based health center after securing a $50,000 planning grant facilitated by Crossroads Health.

Administrator Jen told the board the grant comes from the state Department of Health (Bureau of Maternal Child and Family Health) and is a two‑year effort that begins with a business plan due March 31. "We've received $50,000 to explore what it would be like to have a health care center" she said. If the business plan is approved, the district could pursue roughly $600,000–$700,000 to retrofit space (Jen described that as enough for about two rooms) and bring primary, dental, vision and mental‑health services on site.

Jen said the district is considering locating the clinic at the high school near the former cyber café to create a hub where existing services (care closet, food pantry) already operate. Crossroads Health will lead much of the effort; Jen said talks are underway with University Hospital and Cleveland Clinic as potential clinical partners. The grant emphasizes sustainability: the initial planning funds will be used to develop a viable operating model that could include partnerships, insurance billing, and community services.

Why it matters: a school‑based health center could provide easier access to preventive, dental, vision and behavioral health services for students and families in a rural area where families sometimes lack routine access to care.

Next steps: administrators will draft and submit the business plan by March 31 and continue monthly meetings with partners. The board discussed outreach and coordination with community clinics and local employers to support sustainability and student transition programs.

No final commitment was made at the meeting; the item is at the planning stage pending business‑plan approval and further budgeting and partnership agreements.