School Board delays telehealth MOU with Western Tidewater, asks for DOE-aligned revisions

The Southampton County School Board voted to delay approval of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Western Tidewater Community Services Board after members said the draft omitted key components recommended by the Virginia Department of Education.

At the second read of the agreement, board member Dr. Goodwin urged the board not to act because the document lacked clear protocols for identifying and referring students, billing and compensation language, and parental release procedures. “I would not like my board to take action at this time,” Dr. Goodwin said. The board motioned, and by voice vote approved, a delay so staff and the provider can revise the MOU to mirror DOE guidance and answer board questions.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Harris Mohammed said the Western Tidewater board included pieces of the DOE sample that fit their model, but board members pressed for the complete DOE-recommended elements before final approval. The board asked staff to consolidate questions and share them with the provider; a revised draft is expected at the March meeting.

Board member Miss Lane, who seconded the motion to delay, asked staff to circulate the DOE sample and to gather written responses from the provider before re-presentation. The board also noted that representatives from Western Tidewater were present and could respond to questions if needed during the process.

What happens next: staff will request a redlined MOU that explicitly addresses DOE-recommended items (referral pathway, prioritization of care, billing/compensation mechanism, confidentiality and parental consent processes) and bring the revised document back for board consideration in March.

Votes and action: Motion to delay and revise the MOU was moved by Dr. Goodwin and seconded by Miss Lane; the motion passed by voice vote.