At the start of the meeting, the district's social-emotional learning coordinator, Miss Forte, told the board that September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and that the district is hosting a districtwide suicide-prevention week under the theme "you matter, you belong." "This week, September, Gadsden ISD is hosting a district wide suicide prevention awareness week," she said, adding the campaign focuses on "recognize warning signs, encourage open conversations, and connecting people to support and resources." She said the district's goal is not only to respond to crises but "to build a culture of prevention where students know they are not alone."

Miss Forte told the board that "in my 5 years with Gadsden, we have had we have lost 3 of our students to suicide," and described the losses as "tragedies that have left lasting impacts on classmates, families, and our community as a whole." She described district supports: counselors, mental-health therapists, school-based events promoting kindness and inclusion, education on warning signs, and distribution of resource materials. She invited the board, families, staff and community partners to support ongoing prevention work and said the district's technology staff had produced 3-D-printed pins for staff and board members to wear in support.

Board members responded with personal remarks emphasizing support. Board Secretary Claudia Rodriguez praised the initiative and noted the importance of adult support: "We're here to support. That's why we're part of this board or at least that's why I am part of this board." Several board members and staff encouraged parents and community members to participate in prevention activities and community offerings the district maintains for families.

No formal board action was taken on the item; presenters asked the board to promote the district's prevention activities and community partnerships.