By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

By a vote of 7-1, the Parkland School Board voted to renew its agreement with St. Luke’s University Hospital as the official provider of sports medicine and health services for the district, at the June 20 meeting.

The term extends from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2030, with an option to renew for an additional three years through 2033.

Board member Patrick Foose voted against the proposal, noting the community was not given the opportunity to review the contract.

Board member Annette Wilcox was absent.

The agreement with St. Luke’s focuses on programs to improve strength and reduce injuries for Parkland athletes.

Services include no-charge physicals; concussion education and opioid awareness training for coaches; and seminars on sports psychology, nutrition, exercise physiology, biomechanics and physical therapy.

The partnership also works to improve access to health care for the entire community and educational features for students and parents.

The plan offers marketing exposure for St. Luke’s through signage in all athletic facilities and in district print and digital media.

St. Luke’s will provide full sponsorship of the scoreboard in the high school natatorium.

Funding for educational programs, sports medicine, nutrition, automated external defibrillators, fitness membership discounts for staff and students, and opportunities for exposure to careers in medicine is included.

During the time for public comment, several individuals stepped forward to voice opinions on the matter.

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, told the board he drove in from Harrisburg to attend the meeting.

He wanted “to share concern over transparency with the St. Luke’s agreement.”

He questioned how a nonprofit hospital could have $3 million to devote to the school district.

“They should use this $3 million to take care of patients who have medical debts,” Coleman said. “I urge you to vote against it.”

Residents Michael Bodnar, Beth Finch and Laura Warmkessel bemoaned the lack of transparency and the inability of the public to see the contract.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson explained it has not been the tradition of the district to place service contracts on public display.

“If the board wants this changed, we can have this conversation,” Madson said.

Madson stated he does not know where the individuals came up with the $3 million figure.

He said the deal is probably worth more than $3 million when the costs are added up for five trainers and other health services.

Madson said sponsorship of the pool scoreboard is valued at $85,000.

The superintendent noted one other entity applied for the position granted to St. Luke’s.

He declined to give the name of the other applicant.

Madson offered a comment on the matter.

“St. Luke’s passion and commitment toward health and education has been evident over the last five years they have served this district and we are thrilled to renew our partnership with them,” Madson said.