Chatham schools outline mental-health supports after student death; district reviews response

Parents and board members pressed the School District of the Chathams Board of Education about mental-health supports after a recent student death at Chatham High School; administrators said the district provides multiple in-school clinicians, community partnerships and online monitoring and is reviewing its response.

Dr. Sortino, a school administrator, told the board that the district employs "30 some odd mental health providers" and that each school has at least one counselor or psychologist. "Our middle school has a tier 3 provider, known as an aspire provider," Dr. Sortino said, and the district has "3 clinicians, 2 at the high school, 1 at the middle school" in addition to counselors and social workers.

The district also described partnerships and programs used to expand access. Dr. Sortino said the district works with Project Community Pride through the Madison YMCA to provide "push in counseling support" and after-hours counseling. The district funds a telehealth program so students can receive free counseling outside school hours.

On prevention and classroom supports, Dr. Sortino and Dr. Donahue, a school administrator, listed several curricula and initiatives: Second Step in elementary grades; Lifelines for middle and high school suicide prevention and intervention; Minding Your Mind and Start With Hello; and school-specific efforts such as "Cougar Mindset" and monthly wellness events at the high school. Donahue said the district administers a wellness survey for grades 6–12 and posts the results online.

Donahue also described a technology monitoring tool the district uses. "We utilize an internet filtration system known as Securly, that monitors when children are using their devices for key terms such as self harm," Donahue said, adding that the district monitors those alerts around the clock and contacts families when necessary.

Several board members and speakers acknowledged that, despite extensive supports, tragic events can still occur. Dr. Sortino said the district is "very much looking closely at what happened and what we can do moving forward to further enhance what we offer." He added that staff and mental-health providers responded quickly after the incident: "There were approximately 20 mental health providers at Chatham High School the morning after," who "spent their day to provide supports and services to students."

Parent Hillary Siclari, whose children attend district schools, asked for more detail about the district's overarching strategy and urged the board to consider partnerships used in other communities; she offered to help form a working group. The board did not adopt new policy during the meeting but indicated officials will continue review and outreach.

The board and administrators repeatedly said they are examining procedures and supports but did not announce additional programs or new funding at the meeting.

Ending: The district encouraged parents and community members to consult the posted wellness survey and contact school administrators for further information; administrators said they will continue reviewing supports and procedures in the coming weeks.