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County pauses some school-based center projects, seeks strategy tying wellness centers to MCPS capital timing
Summary
The joint committees reviewed adjustments to High School On-site Center and Linkages to Learning projects; several projects tied to MCPS construction were removed or delayed and the executive preserved placeholder funding for future schools while staff pursue a strategic implementation plan and operating-cost follow-ups.
County staff told the joint Education & Culture and Health & Human Services committees that the executive'recommended CIP maintains funding priorities for school-based health but shifts some site funding because of changes in MCPS capital timing and board decisions.
Rodriguez explained that several high-school and expanded-wellness projects previously in the six-year CIP were removed or had placeholder funds shifted because MCPS construction schedules changed. "There's still obviously need for wellness centers," a council member said during questioning, and staff acknowledged the removals reflect coordination needs with MCPS rather than an absence of programmatic need.
Councilmembers pressed for clearer data on utilization, staffing and operating costs for existing wellness centers. Dr. Nash, chief for Public Health Services, said school-based health and wellness centers are staffed by contracted nurse practitioners through two contracts (CCI and Children's National) and "are open five days a week for seven hours a day during the school day." Dr. Nash said the county is reviewing models to increase access and efficiency, including whether to expand partner-operated clinic models.
Staff also described the Linkages to Learning program (near-school case management and supports) and said the executive recommends adding an expanded site for Eastern Middle School and preserving $1.5 million in capacity for future schools, but that final site selection will depend on the MCPS boundary study and the forthcoming Lincoln Just Learning strategic plan. Council staff recommended the committee request facility service-needs assessments and operating-budget estimates before moving forward with appropriations.
Committee members agreed to concur with the executive recommendations for the school-based projects while asking staff to return with clear service and operating metrics during the operating-budget process.
