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Board approves new employee health clinic contract with Westbend Medical
Summary
The West Bend School District board approved an RFP‑driven contract to replace its current clinic with Westbend Medical, citing lower projected costs, physician staffing and extended hours; a board member abstained and one member had recused before the vote.
The West Bend School District board on May 26 approved a new employee health clinic agreement recommending Westbend Medical succeed the district’s incumbent clinic provider.
Administrators said the change follows a formal RFP run with Willis Towers Watson and site visits to three finalists. Sarah Leman, the district’s director of human resources, said the current flat‑fee model with the existing vendor had become “increasingly harder to maintain,” and the district sought a per‑use pricing structure to better match actual utilization while preserving access for staff and their families.
“The clinic is a very highly valued benefit for staff and their families,” Leman said, and district staff highlighted three priorities in choosing a vendor: pricing, consistent staffing and accurate service communication.
Assistant Superintendent Lenny Hansen told the board Westbend Medical (presented as Vendor C in the RFP) offered the most cost‑effective model, extended clinic hours and physician coverage. “They have three physicians on staff,” he said, “which is very conducive for our staff being able to see people and maintain continuity of care.” Hansen said the district expects the new clinic to begin Aug. 1 to avoid any gap in service.
Board members asked for financial detail during a question period. Hansen said current annual clinic staffing and administration costs are roughly $325,000–$350,000 (excluding lab, vaccine and prescription pass‑throughs) and that the recommended per‑use model would reduce that cost compared with the flat fee model. Mr. Jenkins, who moved the recommendation, said the district vetted blended staffing options and reference checks for each finalist.
Dr. Tamez recused themself from the discussion and vote; Superintendent Whmer indicated they would abstain from the vote. The board then moved, seconded and approved the contract recommendation. The meeting record notes one abstention and that Dr. Tamez was absent for the vote; administration said details of the final contract and transition will be worked through with the vendor.
The administration also said the district will continue two services regardless of vendor choice: seven‑day FastCare walk‑in availability and the district’s virtual care option.
The board’s action authorizes administration to finalize a contract with Westbend Medical and implement the provider transition to be in effect by Aug. 1.
