North Kansas City Schools set to enhance mental wellness support for students and staff

The North Kansas City School District Board of Education meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on enhancing the social-emotional support for students and staff through a comprehensive staffing and professional development plan. The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to improving the counselor-to-student ratio and implementing effective training programs aimed at fostering a supportive educational environment.

Dr. Johnson and Dr. Porter presented a balanced scorecard goal aimed at increasing the capacity of both classified and certified staff to address social-emotional needs. They emphasized the importance of creating equitable spaces where all students and staff feel welcome and safe. A key component of this initiative is to improve the counselor-to-student ratio in high schools, targeting a goal of 350 to 400 students per counselor over the next two years. Currently, Staley High School has made progress by reducing its counselor caseload from 500 to 417 students, with plans to add more counselors at Oak Park and Northtown High Schools.

The meeting also detailed the district's professional development efforts, particularly in implementing "Conscious Discipline" and "Restorative Practices." These programs aim to equip staff with the skills necessary to manage classroom behaviors proactively and to foster a positive school climate. This year, 21 schools participated in Conscious Discipline training, which included on-site coaching and consultation, benefiting both teachers and students.

Additionally, the board discussed the importance of staff wellness, noting that a culture of care and mental wellness is essential for effective teaching. The district has introduced employee resource groups to promote belonging among staff, further supporting their emotional well-being.

The board members expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts to enhance mental health resources and professional development, recognizing the positive impact these initiatives have on both staff and students. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the effectiveness of these programs and to ensure that all staff members are equipped to support students effectively.