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Board approves one‑year Wolf Connection partnership for high‑school mental‑health program
Summary
The board approved a one‑year, no‑cost partnership with Wolf Connection to provide up to two programs (an eight‑week in‑person series and a virtual program) for selected high‑school students; the only district cost identified was transportation, estimated at about $1,500.
The Palm Aero Space Academy board voted to approve a one‑year service agreement with Wolf Connection, a nonprofit that operates an education and animal‑assisted therapy program. Dr. Sullivan, the high‑school principal, presented the proposal and said funding for the Wolf Connection work comes from the Department of Mental Health; the district’s out‑of‑pocket cost would be transportation for participants.
Dr. Sullivan described two program options the high school will use: an in‑person eight‑week program with weekly field visits for a small cohort (under 15 students) and a 12‑session virtual program that could be integrated into special‑education strategy classes. Both programs include a parent engagement workshop and a site visit at the Wolf Connection once the virtual module is complete.
Selection and logistics Staff described a tiered selection process focused on students most likely to benefit: students with existing mental health service needs, students with social‑emotional needs such as social anxiety or autism, and those with attendance and academic considerations. The high‑school counseling team will vet applicants and run parent engagement sessions covering safety, transportation and follow‑up supports.
Costs and funding Dr. Sullivan said the Wolf Connection programs would be free to the district and families, with the Department of Mental Health listed as the funding source for the program itself. The only district expense discussed in the transcript was transportation; staff estimated bus costs of about $1,500 for the cohort.
Motion and next steps A motion to approve the Wolf Connection service agreement was made and seconded; the board voted in favor and the motion passed. Staff will proceed with the cohort selection process, parent engagement and scheduling once the agreement is finalized.
