A plan to double the number of school nurses and add a nurse practitioner in the Danville Schools has been delayed so local health companies can have a chance to submit competing proposals.

The Danville Board of Education had planned to vote this week on a contract with Healthy Kids Clinic, a program run by Cumberland Family Medical Center. At no cost to the district, the contract would add two nurses for a total of four — one for each of the district’s schools; place a full-time nurse practitioner in the school district; and upgrade and expand dental services for students. There would also be an option of HKC providing a mental health professional if the school district funds a new caseworker position.

Superintendent Tammy McDonald said after news of the planned contract broke, she had a meeting with Danville Pediatrics.

“It was my understanding that they were going to try to reach out to the hospital to try to come up with a proposal that would be similar to the proposal we have on the table from Cumberland,” she said. “… Of course we always want to hear from our local supporters to see what they are able to provide. I will say that Cumberland Medical Clinic … has a proven track record in 13 districts and 87 schools and they have developed a full model that works within a school district.

“I think that through our local medical community, that they would be creating a proposal from scratch.”

Board Chair Steve Becker said he would like to hear any other proposals to provide medical services in the district no later than the board’s next working session, scheduled for April 16.

“We kind of are under time constraints here. I know that we want to hear from the local medical folks, but we can’t wait three months,” he said. “It takes a long time to get these programs in place. You’re talking about bringing equipment and setting up rooms and getting personnel taken care of.”

McDonald said one point about the planned expansion of medical services in the district needs to be clarified for the public: “We are in no way trying to substitute for a medical home for students.”

The district will continue to encourage parents to have a pediatrician for their children and that they see their pediatrician regularly. Any student who would be seen by the nurse practitioner — with parental consent required — would bring a note home with them and there would be “a conversation” with the parents to make sure they follow up with a pediatrician, McDonald said.

“It’s not a substitute,” she said. “It’s an addition.”

Board member Lori Finke said she understands the urgency to make a decision so any new program could be in place in time for next school year, but she also appreciates that the board is pausing to listen to its community.

“We’re always trying to get things accomplished,” she said. “But sometimes, we just have to slow it down and listen and we’ll make the best decision when the time comes.”

Board member Paul Smiley made the motion to table approval of a health services contract and make any additional proposals due by April 16. The motion passed unanimously.