On Aug. 26 the Hillsborough County School Board approved two items to expand school-based mental-health services: a contract for Youth Guidance’s Evolve program and an amendment to continue Progress Us Therapy under the district’s master services agreement.

The Evolve program was described by staff as a two-tier intervention offering small-group, educator-led circles focused on character development, leadership and resilience. Staff said the 2024–25 pilot served students at eight high schools and that 98% of participating students reported feeling more connected and valued. The board approved the Evolve contract on a unanimous vote after a motion by Member Rendon.

Separately, the board approved an amendment that consolidates clinician resources under Progress Us Therapy to sustain counseling and behavioral supports at 42 school sites. According to staff, 21 qualified mental-health clinicians will provide in-person individual counseling and behavioral goal planning for K–12 students; parent consent is required and schools will identify students through the district problem-solving process. The contract includes consultation with board-certified behavior analysts and job-embedded coaching for teachers. That amendment passed unanimously on an item motioned by Member Gray and seconded by Member Washington.

During discussion, several trustees expressed support for the services but asked for a single, consolidated accounting of all district mental-health spending and contracts that implement the district’s mental-health plan. Member Rendon said the board should be able to see all mental-health expenditures together rather than a sequence of separate procurement items, and requested a future briefing showing how each contract maps to the plan submitted to the state. Staff confirmed that some funds are earmarked specifically for contracted community providers and that the district also hires staff directly; staff said they would work to provide the requested consolidated view.

Board members praised the clinical teams and expressed concern about hiring and retention for specialized staff such as BCBAs and therapists, which staff said remain a challenge because private-sector rates can be higher. The district emphasized a preference for hiring district employees where feasible but said contractors can provide needed services while recruitment continues.

Both items were presented as part of the district’s broader mental-health strategy and will be implemented at identified schools this fall.