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Candidates call for continued social‑emotional supports and community communication
Summary
Forum speakers urged continued social‑emotional learning (SEL) supports, expansion of wellness programming and community communication to address student mental health and bullying concerns.
Candidates and community leaders at the Somers forum emphasized social‑emotional learning and mental‑health supports as a district priority.
Rosalind Gallino said the “simple answer is communication” when asked how the district should support student mental health, and urged programs that ensure “each student needs to know that he or she has a champion in the building.” She cited existing efforts such as WIN, community lunches and responsive classrooms as work the district should continue and expand.
Other candidates said schools should support mental‑health professionals and set respectful norms that model appropriate behavior for students. Amanda Kandel described a district social‑emotional wellness advisory committee and noted the importance of tiered supports and classroom check‑ins. Yifei Chang noted privacy and medical considerations and called for public education to reduce stigma while recognizing the school cannot be a substitute for professional medical care.
Speakers framed these proposals as programmatic and community priorities; no changes in policy or staffing were decided during the forum. Candidates encouraged community participation in advisory efforts and continued investment in staff training and tier‑two and tier‑three supports.
