Sumter school district outlines plan to expand school-based mental health services after student losses

Sumter School District officials detailed the district’s behavioral and mental health services during the May 19 board meeting, describing current community partnerships, five new programs launched since 2024 and goals to add school-based therapists and a clinical day program.

The update came from Nikisha Keith, coordinator of behavioral health services, and Veron Davis, executive director of student support services, who briefed the Sumter School District Board of Trustees on service levels, program pilots and next steps. “Mental health continues to affect academic performance, attendance, and behaviors across our district,” Keith said.

Keith said the district currently partners with nine outside agencies that provide individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, behavioral intervention and psychiatric services. The district also employs three Title I social workers and three contract social workers who provide assessments, family engagement and home visits. Keith told trustees the district tragically lost nearly 15 students this school year to…