Pickens County operations staff on April 10 told the Board of Education that several construction projects are on track and that an RFP is underway to site a school-based health center adjacent to Jasper (junior) High School, with services provided by Good Sam and funded through a state grant reimbursement.

Assistant Superintendent Chris Parker said the high school remodel, the district track project, and the Grove facility work are proceeding on schedule and under budget. "The track project is going on on time, under budget, ready to finish," Parker said.

Parker described plans for a school-based health center that would offer mental and physical health services to students and family members. "This doesn't cost us a red cent," Parker said, explaining the construction expense would be reimbursed by a state grant once the district builds and outfits the facility. The district intends the center to serve students districtwide, Parker added, not just junior-high students.

The school-based health center effort is a partnership that Parker said includes community healthcare providers and local stakeholders; he named Good Sam as the partner expected to provide clinical services and said the district had community participants on the project committee.

Other upcoming capital actions Parker previewed include an RFP for a replacement playground at Tate Elementary, HVAC replacements that may be eligible for state reimbursement, and an RFP related to the Hill City remodel expected in the fall. Parker also noted nonconstruction operational items: a district job fair planned for April 22 and a large safety exercise scheduled for July 24 that will involve the sheriff's office.

Why it matters: The projects affect facility safety, student services and future operating arrangements; the school-based health center would introduce a new on-campus clinical partner for student and family care while using state grant reimbursement to pay project costs.

What was not decided: The board did not vote on the RFPs during the meeting; staff said formal approvals and procurements will return to the board when required.

Community partners and implementation

Parker named community organizations and providers participating in planning for the health center and said local providers and pharmacies have assisted the effort. He said staff expect to present the building procurement for board approval, probably at the May meeting, and that the district will seek reimbursement under the state grant after construction is complete.

Next steps

Staff will bring formal procurement items to the board for approval as RFP responses are evaluated.