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Saturday, August 4, 2007 Funding for BHS health center to be explored by school districtBelen Two reports updating the Belen Board of Education on the School Based Health Center (SBHC) and a policy that deals with bullying were presented to the board at its regular meeting on July 24. Director of Health Services Peggy Chavez said the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) requires specific language in these policies, so revisions were made to the district's existing policy. "It's a major revision, and one we will be revisiting," Chavez said. The policy defines bullying and identifies all aspects associated with bullying and details how students, as well as district employees, are to handle reporting, investigating, sanctions and consequences. Board member Jamie Goldberg said bullying can destroy a child and a home and the district needs to make sure it provides a safe environment for students. "It's big," Goldberg said. "Kids can get depressed — can commit suicide. We need to train our staff how to notice it." The changes in the language to the policy will be brought before the board for final approval later. Chavez then updated the board on the SBHC billing procedures, saying at the present time, only Medicaid Salud (Lovelace, Molina and Presbyterian) groups can be billed. Chavez said the district is getting things in place so they will be able to bill A.C.S in August for Medicaid-exempt students. "We can't charge commercial insurance at this time," Chavez said. Chavez went on to say they are working to changes to state policy that would allow them to bill private insurance companies by the end of the 2008-09 school year. They will also continue to seek new grants for the SBHC. It's been a little more than a year since the SBHC opened its doors to students, but the funding from the original grant will only fund the center through the 2008-09 school year. The center receives $150,000 in funding through the grant each year. "Salaries alone exceed the grant," Chavez said. "But I think we're in pretty good shape for this year, and we will continue working with the state." The center received $19,805 in billable insurance last year, along with the $150,000 grant, Chavez said. The projected income for the 2007-08 year is estimated to be $208,612 with expenses estimated at $187,963. Board member Sam Chavez said the district needs to find a way to be self-sufficient regarding the SBHC. In other action, the board:
"The nature trail, playground and tent area need to be developed more," Shaw said. Chavez said that property to the east belongs to the Conservancy District, not the school district. Goldberg said maybe a joint powers agreement could be drawn up with the Conservancy District to maintain all the property. Shaw then asked about the driveway into La Merced Elementary School where students are dropped off and what the status was on that project. Superintendent Patricia Rael said she was not prepared to give a report on the status at this time. Director of Finance Art Castillo said the funds allocated for that project were $30,000 but the bids came in at $68,000. Castillo said the district is in the process of asking ESA Construction, the current contractor working on the gymnasium at the school, for a proposal. "We want to make sure it's safe and sound for the kids," Castillo said.
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