School Board moves to hire mental health professionals
Holmes County Times Advertiser / Washington County NewsJun 13, 2018
At a workshop Thursday night,
The state gave the district
"We see that number rising - I know that's a national trend as well; but we feel that this would assist those families meeting those children's needs," Arnold said.
"We're wanting someone who can meet the family's need as well ," Arnold said, noting that the counselors will be active and visible in schools and the community. "It's not just the Baker Act issue."
The counselors would have the authority to Baker Act students. Currently, the school system does not have the authority to Baker Act a student or to transport students to the mental health facility - only the sheriff's office can with guidance from the school staff.
District officials appeared to be excited about the new positions. More discussion is expected at the upcoming board meeting Monday. Taylor is looking to full approval by
"The state requires that we have to have a mental health plan approved by the
"The goal, as I would see having a mental health plan, is providing the most services to the most students - actually to the community," he added moments later.
In other business, at a special board meeting held prior to the workshop, the
In the past, apparently, voters had not approved the referendum.
The school district still has to undergo a performance audit of current financials to be approved by the state to put the referendum on the ballot.