Ross Beatty Junior/Senior High School may see a community clinic operate within its walls after a proposal was heard Monday.

During the reorganizational meeting of the Cassopolis Schools Board of Education, board members, including new Supt. Tracy Hertsel and acting

Board President Jeremy Carlisle, listened as Mary Middleton, executive director of Cassopolis Family Clinic, proposed a school-based health center which would occupy the former woodshop space. The area, which has its own entrance, would provide services on-site.

According to Middleton, the clinic provides health care to more than 7,500 residents with or without health insurance. The clinic would also provide health care services to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as special education students.

A grant for a majority of the costs to the clinic would need to be approved by both the board and clinic’s board before July 24, when the application is due.

Among questions from board members, Carlisle asked if the clinic would cost the district anything. Middleton said that if the grant is obtained, the only costs not covered would be use of the space free of charge and utilities, which the district would pay. Board member Janet Hall asked if the clinic would replace the certified nursing services already available at the school.

Middleton said the clinic would not replace the school nurse, as it would operate as a community health center.

Access to the clinic was also addressed. Middleton said students would be able to access the clinic from the inside by pressing a buzzer and checking in with a receptionist.

Others outside of the school would be required to enter through the outside entrance, which would be monitored by the receptionist.

The contract must be reviewed by the board’s legal counsel before any further movement.