At its regular board meeting, DeSoto County School District officials reviewed a year in the life of the districts school-based mental health program and described an expansion of services and community partnerships.

The report, delivered by Suwanna Williams, director of mental health services, said the program served more than 1,100 students during the past school year, operates with 14 licensed clinicians and includes a district social worker and an interventionist. Williams said the department has increased outreach through school-based events, community nights and partnerships with local organizations.

Why it matters: Board members were told the program aims to connect families with local providers and build capacity among school counselors, an approach officials said has drawn interest from other districts. The presentation framed mental-health work as part of the districts broader effort to support students wellbeing and academic success.

Williams outlined multiple community events hosted this year, including mental health awareness nights at DeSoto Central and other schools, a healing hearts and minds themed event at Lake Cormorant, and collaborations with the DeSoto Arts Council, Brown Baptist Church and Northwest Church of Christ. She said the department convened a Mental Health Advisory Council and provided professional development for school counselors, including a session with a national speaker.

Williams credited internal staff and external partners, and said other districts have contacted DeSoto County Schools seeking help to replicate elements of its program. Superintendent Usilton thanked the mental health team and noted the program began seven years ago.

The presentation did not include requests for new board action or specific new funding; Williams described ongoing activities and partnerships and listed staffing and service counts as evidence of scale and capacity. Board members responded with thanks and recognition for the staff and clinicians.