Sturgis – Community access to a student-based clinic eliminated

Sturgis Public Schools is eliminating community access to a student-based clinic in one of its elementary schools.

According to WWMT, the decision was made less than a week after the clinic opened Jan. 6 at Eastwood Elementary.

Dozens of parents voiced their concerns about those up to 21 years old in the greater community being able to come inside the elementary school to use the clinic.

Superintendent Art Ebert said a newsletter was sent to parents last week. It stated the Student Help & Healing Center will only serve students that attend Sturgis Public Schools.

However, after a recent board meeting and approval of a parent-led petition, school leaders decided that only students of Eastwood Elementary would be permitted to use the clinic.

Sturgis hopes to relocate the clinic, but for now the elementary school is a stepping stone until figuring out another location, according to Ebert. Sturgis Public Schools needs to find a medical partner by the end of the academic year for the clinic to remain operational.