Vancouver schools told federal mental‑health grant will end; district weighing options
Loading...
Summary
During the May board meeting Superintendent reported that a federal mental‑health grant that funds 14 therapists, a supervisor and support staff will be terminated Dec. 31; the board discussed options to maintain services but no formal action was taken.
Superintendent (unnamed) told the Vancouver Public Schools Board that the district received notice in the last few weeks that a federal mental‑health grant will be terminated, effective Dec. 31.
The grant supported 14 therapists, a supervisor and additional support staff. "They said that that will end on December 31, because it's not aligned with the administration's priorities," the superintendent said during the superintendent's report. The superintendent described the termination as "a huge impact" and said district staff will try to find ways to continue supports for students and families.
The point was raised again during board discussion. A board director said, "I would like to figure out a way to keep those mental health supports because I think that is important for our students," emphasizing the board's interest in preserving services even as funding changes.
District leaders did not present a final plan at the meeting and said more work is needed to identify staffing and funding options. No motion or vote about the grant was taken at the meeting; district staff indicated they will attempt to determine how to continue services and will report back to the board.
Parents and board members have repeatedly expressed support for on‑site mental‑health services; the superintendent framed the grant loss as a setback to progress the district had been making on that infrastructure. The board did not set a timeline at the meeting for when it will return with recommendations.
