Assessing mental health in schools; County superintendent wants $1.4 million to address growing self-harm concerns
CapitalDec 26, 2018
The number of
"We've talked for several years about the growing social and emotional needs of our students and the fact that we are seeing more extreme behavioral issues and at younger ages than ever before," schools Superintendent
The superintendent's recommended fiscal year 2020 budget includes a
Funding gaps have made it difficult for school officials to keep up with the district's demands, Arlotto said. This budget request represents a step in a multi-year process to hire staff and deploy enough resources to make up for denied funding requests that occurred during and after the 2008 recession.
The superintendent is seeking nearly 300 new positions in his budget, including 13 counselors, psychologists and social workers.
If funded, three of the counselors will be deployed at elementary schools, two will be staffed at middle schools and two will go to county high schools.
Every school in
Mental health quickly emerged as a school board campaign issue in the months leading up to the 2018 election. Candidates promised to make mental health a priority for the district and underscored the need to hire more professionals.
Board member
"We do need more, I do want to see more, and I do intend to look where we can move things around to get what we need," she said. "I absolutely believe we need to get to the level that is recommended, as far as 250 students per counselor. I know we're way, way off of that."
Credit: By
Caption: Arlotto