06/01/2026
We recently received a copy of an email from a disappointed and angry local mother that we wish to share with you below.
What struck us wasn't just the content of Vickie Miller's email, but the response she received.
Vickie took the time to explain how A Kidz Clinic had served her family for years. She described the services it provides, shared examples of other local families who depend on it, and asked the board to reconsider a decision that could affect thousands of children.
Bethany Suppes' reply addressed none of it.
There was no explanation for why the clinic was being eliminated. No response to the concerns raised. No indication that the board had weighed the loss of medical care, counseling, dental services, or behavioral health support against whatever benefits they believe will come from ending the contract.
Instead, the response simply informed Vickie that the decision had already been made and that the district would work to minimize disruption as the clinic was phased out.
That's not a conversation, that's like being dismissed from the principal’s office.
What's particularly frustrating is that the agenda item was listed as the "A Kidz Clinic Information & Contract – Action item" giving no indication that they might vote to close the clinic. Yet the language in Bethany's response makes it sound as though the outcome had been settled long before the vote was ever cast.
In fact, there are reasons to believe that may be exactly what happened.
Back in April of 2025, Adena Kreutz sent the board an email that hit many of the same talking points Bethany has raised publicly about the clinic. It even included some of the same literature Beth liked to wave around during board meetings while criticizing how the clinic was run. Looking back, it seems likely that the groundwork for this decision was being laid more than a year ago.
Then there was Sheldon Kier's earlier comment that the clinic space could be put to "better use."
Better use how?
The district is losing students, not gaining them. Empty space is hardly the crisis facing Delta County schools. Access to healthcare, counseling, and behavioral health services for children, on the other hand, is a challenge many local families deal with every day.
The three board members who voted against renewal got the outcome they wanted. The question is whether it is the outcome their constituents wanted.
Because judging by the emails, phone calls, public comments, and conversations we've seen, there are a lot of parents who would have liked their questions addressed with something more substantial than a form letter addressing none of their concerns.
EMAILS HERE:
“Please Reconsider... Inbox
Vickie Miller May 24
to schoolboard v
:
Dear School Board Members and School District
Leadership,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the discussion of closing our county's school-based health center/Kidz Clinic. As a parent whose child, [name], has been seen there since he was about six months old, I strongly believe this would be one of the worst decisions that could be made for our students and families.
The Kidz Clinic is far more than a place for illnesses or minor medical concerns. It provides essential services that many families in our community rely on, including sports physicals, dental care, behavioral health support, counseling, and routine medical care. In a rural community where healthcare access can already be difficult, this clinic fills an incredibly important gap.
My family is not the only one who depends on this resource. My sister has shared that there have been times she could not get my nephew into his primary care doctor, but the Kidz Clinic was able to get him in quickly and provide treatment when he needed care.
That kind of access matters.
I also know many local families and friends who have relied on the clinic for both medical care and counseling services for their children. Behavioral health and counseling support are more important than ever, and for some families, the Kidz Clinic may be one of the easiest or only accessible ways for children to receive the support they need. Removing this service could leave families struggling to find timely care and support.
For many parents, the clinic offers convenience, accessibility, and timely care that may otherwise be delayed or unavailable. Closing it could negatively impact students' physical health, mental well-being, school attendance, and overall success.
I understand that difficult decisions must be made, but I urge the board to carefully consider the real-life impact this decision could have on students and families who rely on these services every day. A school-based health center is not an extra convenience
- for many, it is a necessity.
Please reconsider any plans to close or reduce access to this valuable community resource. Our children deserve support systems that help keep them healthy, supported, and ready to learn.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Vickie Miller
Bethany S... 4 days ago”
Bethany Suppes’ Reply:
“Bethany Su... 9:34 AM
to me, Caryn v
Vickie,
Thank you for your email and sharing your experience with A Kidz Clinic. Superintendent Gibson has shared the following with the staff and I will share it with you as well:
A Kidz Clinic's School-Based Health Clinic contract will expire at the end of June 2026. Following careful consideration, the School Board voted not to renew the contract. The District is committed to working collaboratively with A Kidz Clinic throughout the transition process to ensure students and families continue to have access to needed health services and support with minimal disruption. We greatly appreciate the care, dedication, and partnership A Kidz Clinic has provided to our students and families over the years.
The District will continue to communicate with families, staff, and community members as plans are finalized and additional information becomes available
Best,” etc
