Claiborne Parish officials weigh David Raines clinic for Homer campus

Superintendent Chris Brooks told the Claiborne Parish School Board Finance Committee on July 9 that the district is exploring whether a David Raines Community Health Center clinic could be located on the Homer campus. He said the project, if pursued, would likely be at least one year away before implementation and would require renovation of school facilities and parental consent for student services.

Brooks said the clinic could help reduce student absences if implemented. He added that he and a colleague, identified in the minutes as Joey, will tour the Rushing Middle School campus in Bossier to study an existing program and bring additional information back to the board. Brooks also said the board plans to invite a representative from David Raines Community Health Center to attend a future meeting to answer questions and address concerns.

The proposal is at an early exploratory stage; the minutes do not specify renovation cost estimates, staffing plans, how student consent would be obtained or whether services would be limited to students or open to the broader community. Board members did not vote on the proposal at the July 9 meeting. Brooks indicated he will return with further details after the site visit and consultation with a David Raines representative.

Next steps: Brooks and his colleague will tour Rushing Middle School in Bossier and will report back to the board, at which time the district may present more concrete cost, consent and timeline information for committee or board consideration.