Belvidere CUSD 100 approves Stronger Connection grant to expand school-based counseling
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Summary
The Belvidere CUSD 100 Board of Education voted to approve the Stronger Connection grant to continue school-based counseling and telehealth services at the district’s two high schools; district leaders said they will pursue additional grant funding but may cover any shortfall internally.
The Belvidere CUSD 100 Board of Education voted unanimously June 16 to accept the Stronger Connection grant to continue counseling services at the district’s two high schools.
The action follows public comment from Kevin Polke, owner and president of 4 Corners Wellness Center, who described student and family feedback showing improvements in attendance, grades and student well-being after the counseling pilot. "There has been an increase in students asking for services and a need for a waiting list to have students seen," Polke told the board, and he summarized multiple parent and student comments about reduced anxiety, improved motivation and better grades.
Board members said the program addresses a high-need area. Superintendent Dr. Shug said the district will continue to pursue grant funding but "we may fund internally" to make up any difference, calling the work a "very high need area." Dr. Johnson confirmed counselors deliver services in the schools and that telehealth supports are offered outside regular school hours.
Board discussion noted that the Stronger Connection services are targeted at the two high schools because a separate partnership (Effective School Solutions) will provide middle-school services. The board asked staff to keep seeking outside funding; Dr. Johnson said the district will pursue grants and "plan to make up the difference from whatever she can." No board member opposed the measure.
The board approved the grant by roll call: Member Diesemeyer, Missus Young, Mr. Mueller, Mr. Piggie, Missus Hauck, Mr. Hemke and Mr. Herrera all voted yes. The district will continue oversight and report back as the program is implemented.
Polke's comments at public comment were the primary public testimony the board recognized on the item; he emphasized the program’s effect on students who otherwise lacked resources or transportation to access clinical counseling outside school. Board members and district staff highlighted follow-up reporting and continued grant seeking as next steps.