Madison Local board approves pilot of Cartwheel virtual therapy for middle school students

The Madison Local School District Board of Education approved an agreement May 6 to contract with Cartwheel Health Services to provide virtual mental health services for Madison Middle School students and families from May 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

District leaders said the pilot is part of a Stronger Connections grant the district received two years ago and is intended as a tier‑3 intervention for students with significant needs. The superintendent said the district will begin with 25 slots and that families must opt in to participate.

Superintendent (name not specified) said the vendor guarantees no waiting list because it hires clinicians remotely, which the superintendent described as a key advantage: “they guarantee no wait.” The district noted the service is similar to existing Crossroads supports but offers additional capacity and the option for families to receive services virtually at home or at school.

Board members asked whether the service would run in tandem with Crossroads and how families would be notified. The superintendent said the program will be managed through the school and families who want the service must agree to it; the district expects some students could use the service through the summer if approved promptly. The superintendent said the vendor will provide access “within a date in the next couple days” if the board approved the contract.

The board approved the agreement by roll call vote; board members present voted yes. District leaders said the pilot will be evaluated for possible expansion across other grades if it performs well.

Implementation details, including referral procedures, family consent processes, clinician licensure across states and data‑sharing protocols, were not specified in the discussion and will be set by the vendor and district staff during implementation.