A coalition of educators’ unions, school counselors and child‑mental‑health advocates urged the Joint Committee on Education to create a Whole Child grant program that would provide multi‑year per‑pupil funds to districts to hire counselors, school psychologists, nurses and other support staff and to implement trauma‑sensitive, culturally responsive practices.

Presenters described rising social, emotional and behavioral needs among students and emphasized that schools often serve as the primary site for mental‑health care. “Our educators are on the front lines,” said Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, noting surveys showing large majorities of teachers report concern about student mental health. Supporters asked that the program target higher awards to low‑ and middle‑income districts that lack resources.

Why it matters: Witnesses cited high student‑to‑counselor ratios (state averages well above recommended levels) and said the lack of staff contributes to discipline problems, chronic absenteeism and poor academic outcomes. They pointed to research showing that student access to counselors and supportive practices improves attendance, decreases suspensions and helps academic achievement.

Program design: The proposed legislation (S369/H544) would require districts receiving funds to meet recommended student‑to‑staff ratios and to use grants for hiring, professional development, and implementing restorative practices and community school models.

Next steps: The committee heard testimony from the Massachusetts AFL‑CIO, school counselor groups, the MTA and student advocates; supporters asked for a favorable report and for the legislature to pair the program with sustainable funding.