Huron Schools turns down free health center

HURON — The leader of a local school district turned down an offer to create an on-campus school-based health center. And, upon doing so, his counterpart in a neighboring school district accepted this proposal, resulting in a forthcoming facility — just miles away — that will provide care to those students, teachers, staff members and community members. The center, meanwhile, won't come at any extra cost to locals. It's being funded, both in terms of start-up and operational costs, with dollars previously secured — most notably $500,000 in state funds. Through public records requests, follow-up commentary and past reporting, here's what happened: Q: What is a school-based health center? A: In Erie County, school-based health centers offer a broad range of primary and mental health services, providing accessible and needed care directly within a school environment. They are staffed by licensed and credentialed doctors, nurses, counselors and support staff. Health officials noted they improve student health outcomes by providing immediate access to care for acute illnesses, managing chronic conditions and offering preventive services. For families, the school-based health center ensures unparalleled ease of use, health officials said. It eliminates the need for parents to take time off work or arrange transportation for their children to attend appointments as health care is conveniently located on school grounds. "This integration streamlines care and reduces logistical burdens on families," according to an Erie County Health Department statement. Such centers — already operational at Vermilion High School, EHOVE Career Center and Sandusky Career Center — "are invaluable in removing barriers to care, providing convenient access to essential health services right where students spend a significant portion of their day," Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade said. These centers are open to students, staff members and other school employees. In some instances, they are open to community members as well. And there is no cost-sharing agreement between participating schools and Erie County's health department. All school-based health centers in Erie County are financially backed by the health department, which receives a majority of its center-based funding through outside sources, such as state and federal grants. The health department has agreements with most private insurances as well as Medicare and Medicaid, offering a sliding fee scale for those without insurance coverage. In other words, no one will be denied service because of an inability to pay. Q: Who turned down a community health center? And for what reasons? A: Huron Schools did. This past spring, the Erie County Health Department contacted Huron Schools superintendent James Tatman about partnering up to potentially build a student-based health center at Huron High School. The health department pointed to Huron's demographics and reporting from surveys in determining that many locals would benefit from such a center. Huron superintendent James Tatman, however, told Schade "this was not the right time" for his district to explore this possibility. In a follow-up email with the Register, Tatman explained his decision. "Since the district's consolidation to three campuses, there is limited to no available space," Tatman said. "In addition, our current facilities do not allow for a separate, secured entrance that would be required for community access to a health clinic during the school day. We cannot compromise campus safety." For these reasons, Tatman ultimately rejected Erie County's offer. It did not go to a vote before the district's school board. Schade noted, in an email exchange, the center would go in an unused portion of the high school's weight room. Q: Who picked up on this opportunity? A: Margaretta Schools did. When Huron Schools passed on this opportunity, Margaretta Schools almost immediately accepted. The result: Margaretta and Erie County began the process to establish a school-based health center in Castalia. More specifically, it'll be located within the Margaretta Middle/High School building. Most recently, in October, the health department received $500,000 in state funding to cover all start-up costs at Margaretta, which "marks a major step forward in expanding accessible health care for students and local families," according to a health department statement. Upon opening, Margaretta's facility "will provide essential primary and mental health services as well as pharmacy services," the department noted. It's expected to open in early 2026. "This center will allow us to intervene early, provide continuous support and ensure that health challenges do not stand in the way of a student's education or a family's well-being," said Joe Palmucci, CEO of the county's health department. Among those who can use the facility: anyone who lives in Castalia, Margaretta Township and the immediate surrounding areas. It'll also serve students, faculty, administration and staff with ties to Margaretta Schools and/or Townsend Community School before, during and after the school day. Margaretta Schools' board of education has already committed to the school-based health center being part of the new Margaretta building/campus. There are plans in place for the location of the school-based health center at the new building so that the transition will be seamless. "We have worked with agencies to have social and emotional supports right in school," Margaretta Schools superintendent Ed Kurt said. "Now, with the collaboration with the Erie County Health Department, we would have on-site health care for both students and employees." Q: What's the reaction, from Huron Schools' perspective, about this? A: Tatman did admit how a "community-based health clinic could benefit Huron students and the community by improving access to wellness and preventative care." "At this time, our school nursing services are provided through the Erie County Health Department, and we also maintain a partnership with Family Health Services for community-based mental health supports," he said. "These services are available to students during the school day and to the community outside of school hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays." Schade and his colleagues noted there aren't any hard feelings from the health department's perspective and will always welcome open dialogue to improve the health and well-being of locals, especially children. Tatman did underscore his gratitude for what the health department already provides to his district today. "We sincerely appreciate the Erie County Health Department's ongoing partnership," he said. "In addition to nursing services, they continue to provide Huron City Schools with valuable support, such as classroom curriculum materials, the mobile dentist program, AED device and supply replacements and emergency response kits for all school vehicles. The Erie County Health Department remains a generous and vital partner to our district and community." Q: Will a school-based health center eventually come to Huron? A: As of today, it's not known. It's truly up to Huron's top-ranking school administrator, being Tatman, health department officials said. Tatman did provide the following response: "As the district continues developing its comprehensive master facilities plan, we will include consideration of mutually beneficial community partnerships that could enhance available services on our campuses, including the potential for a future health clinic."