Ames schools looking for an agency to provide mental health services
Ames TribuneApr 05, 2017
The district published its request for proposal (RFP) on Friday, asking that interested agencies submit their plans to provide those services by
"We want them to show us in their proposal what that would look like, and that will help us decide which agency can better provide the services we're seeking," said
In their proposals, agencies will offer a proposed budget, services that will be available to students and how they plan to serve the students in the six buildings. In his proposed budget, Superintendent
Taylor said that
Michael said he wants those services to help address the social, emotional and academic needs of the students with mental health challenges, whether it be an attention deficit disorder or something undiagnosed.
"We don't need a diagnosis to serve kids," he said. "What we need kids to have are supports both in the classroom and outside of the classroom that make sure that they are achieving academically at high levels."
Some students receive counseling outside school, said
"We could help connect the dots," Flynn said.
Also in their proposals, the agencies will submit their goals, reference letters and an explanation of why
"We're just trying to serve kids the best we can," Flynn said, "and we feel like that's a piece we don't have."
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