Susquehanna seeks school-based doctor’s office

BY TOM FONTANA
Correspondent

If asked, “Is there a doctor in the house?,” Susquehanna School District may soon be able answer, “Yes!”

The district is considering an agreement with NEPA Community Health Care to establish a health clinic in the elementary school, essentially creating an on-campus doctor’s office. At the meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 6, school directors gave approval for superintendent Bronson Stone to pursue an agreement with NEPA.

“Health care by a doctor would be available to all students and employees throughout the school year,” Stone explained. “This would provide the potential for a student to see a doctor without parents having to come and take them out of school for a doctor’s appointment.”

NEPA Community Health Care is a federally funded agency that serves eastern Susquehanna County and other communities nearby. Offices are located in The Shops Plaza in Susquehanna, and in Hallstead. NEPA offers primary health care services and administers the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) nutrition program.

A clinic in the school would be under a lease agreement with NEPA.

“We could hope that having NEPA in the school would cut down on absenteeism,” Stone stated. “It would help parents who struggle to work doctor’s appointments around school and jobs, and allow our own employees to see a doctor without missing work.”

Stone added that “details still need to be worked out,” and the clinic in the school would not be open to the public.

It was announced that Barnes-Kasson Hospital would be conducting an emergency evacuation drill with the Susquehanna Fire Department in the playground area on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

“Meet The Teachers Night” will be offered on Thursday, Aug. 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m., and first-time bus riders will be able to take a short ‘test-ride’ around campus during that time. The first day of school for students is Monday, Aug. 25.

Resignations were accepted from Stephen Nayduch as football ticket taker and varsity basketball timer; and Craig Hubal as junior high football coach. The board agreed to advertise to fill the coaching position, and stated that Hubal has offered his services as a volunteer coach.

The board welcomed Carmella Bullick as the new high school principal starting with the 2014-15 school year.