CLK Schools Considering Dropping School Nurse for a School Wellness Program Amidst Budget Cuts

Calumet – Laurium – Keweenaw Schools is considering replacing the school nurse program with a school wellness program, using Upper Great Lakes Family Health. CLK Schools has accepted a memorandum of understanding with UGL Health to implement a clinic nurse, and social worker through the school wellness program, as outlined by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

CLK Schools is trying to cut between 300 and 500 thousand dollars of the 18 million dollar district budget. Superintendent Chris Davidson at a recent Parent Advisory Committee meeting said implementing the program, and cutting the school nurse position could help the district save around 90 thousand dollars. However he added that more details with UGL Health still need to be finalized, as a number of questions are yet to be answered.

A sticking point of conversation during the special meeting last night, stated that UGL Health will not distribute medication to students. Leaving the responsibility to school secretaries or other qualified personnel to work with parents and get medications to students. Currently CLK School Nurse, Carrie Sullivan, can distribute medication to students as a state certified school nurse. And she is responsible for much more. An additional concern addressed medical versus school records. UGL Health would create student-patient medical records that are connected to a student’s records with their primary care physician.

The school board tabled the decision to renew the School Nurse contract. So that more discussion can take place between board members, parents, and faculty. We hope to continue following this story as it develops.