Board hears plan for $1.5 million student health center in coordination with Columbia Health Services

Superintendent Jim Hellman told the board the district is pursuing a competitive $1,500,000 grant in coordination with Columbia Health Services to expand medical and behavioral-health services for students and families. "So $1,500,000 grant, in coordination with Columbia Health Services," Hellman said, describing plans to expand clinic and family-therapy options and to site the facility adjacent to an education wing for separate but connected access.

A board member (speaker 2) said she would "be distressed if we lost the name of our health center," noting the facility was created through public input and named the Spencer Health and Wellness. Hellman responded that the work is preliminary and the district intends to maintain and honor the historic name if the project proceeds. Board members also discussed modular alternatives and the competitive nature of the grant; Hellman said the district has engaged Sen. Merkley's office and believes it is a strong candidate but that the grant awards are limited and competitive. The board did not vote on the grant at the meeting; Hellman said next steps include final facility siting decisions and coordination if the district is awarded the funds.