Board tables contract with therapy service pending clarification

The Fairfield Community School District is poised to hire a therapist for students needing mental health services.

The district's school board considered an agreement Monday night with River Hills Community Center in Ottumwa, which is offering to provide the district with a therapist for 40 hours a week. However, the board tabled the contract due to ambiguous wording. The board expects to hold a special meeting to approve the contract after its questions are answered.

Under the contract, the school would be responsible for providing an office space where students could meet with a therapist; $5,000 to help cover the cost of uninsured students plus funding for in-service training for school personnel; and $75 an hour for in-service training of school personnel.

In return, River Hills Community Health Center would provide assessments and ongoing therapy to school-aged children; provide parents with a written summary of the session between their therapist and the child; and be responsible for all personnel, supplies and computer equipment.

The board had two questions about the contract: 1) Does the $75-an-hour charge count drive-time between Ottumwa and Fairfield? 2) Who pays for the portion of the therapy session not covered by insurance?

Board member Frank Broz said that, though he worries about the costs, too, it would be nice to get at least four months of the program under their belt. The contract expires at the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Broz said that, if it didn't go well, the district could simply look for other providers over the summer.

Board member Kelly Scott asked, 'Do we really have to do it now?” He said he did not see the harm in waiting to approve the contract.

Broz said kids who need mental health services are put on a waiting list, which can mean waiting weeks or months for an appointment. He felt the board should approve the contract soon so those students don't have to wait so long.

Superintendent Laurie Noll said after the meeting she is proud the board is so close to delivering a brand new service to its students.

'Kids have been missing school because they've been going out of town for appointments,” she said. 'Now they'll be able to receive those services in a familiar and comfortable environment right here.”