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Grieving parent urges Marlboro district to restore clinician role for student mental health
Summary
A public commenter described a family loss and asked the board to restore an on-site clinician (Rutgers partnership or similar) to provide clinical therapy in district schools; the commenter urged the board to consider funding in the current or next budget cycle.
An unidentified parent addressing the Marlboro Township School District board described the recent death of her daughter and urged the district to restore clinical mental-health services in schools so students could receive therapy earlier. "If we could get a clinician back in Marlborough Township ... so that students get the actual clinical therapy they need," the parent said, adding that early intervention could prevent serious outcomes.
The speaker said she had previously worked with district board members and urged the board to consider bringing back a Rutgers clinician or contracting with providers such as Effective School Solutions or Thrive. She proposed repurposing a current staff member or reallocating a staff position so the clinician could provide direct therapy rather than case management.
Board members responded with expressions of sympathy and thanks for the advocacy. At least one board member noted the difficulty of finding budget space in the current year but promised the comment would be heard as the board considers priorities. The speaker asked the board to consider the request in this budget or the following school year.
No formal motion or vote followed from this public comment; the item remained a public plea for the district to examine staffing and budget options for clinical mental-health services.
