The Olympia School District held a meeting on June 28, 2023, focusing on the importance of funding programs that support students' mental health and well-being. The discussions highlighted the need for continued investment in resources for both students and teachers, emphasizing the impact of trauma on the school community.

Wesley, a participant in the meeting, stressed the importance of ongoing conversations to understand the needs of students, acknowledging that both students and adults have faced significant challenges. He advocated for sustained funding for programs that provide necessary support.

Maria Flores echoed these sentiments, sharing her personal connection to the issue. She noted the tragic loss of two students from Olympia High School to suicidal ideation, underscoring the critical need for social-emotional learning and mental health resources in public education. Flores highlighted the district's efforts to implement integrated student supports and multi-tiered systems of support, which include universal screenings for students' academic and emotional well-being. She mentioned the investment in social workers, funded initially through federal relief funding, and the alignment of the curriculum with social-emotional learning standards.

The meeting also addressed the prioritization of funding in the event of resource shortages. Leslie emphasized that maintaining a caring environment for students is paramount, stating that funding staff should be the top priority to ensure students feel supported and connected.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing mental health resources and support systems within the Olympia School District, with a focus on learning from past experiences and addressing the ongoing needs of students. The discussions set the stage for future initiatives aimed at improving student well-being and educational outcomes.