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Board approves brief, state-funded mental health contract with Empower You for three schools
Summary
Caldwell County Schools approved a contract with Empower You to provide in-person and telehealth mental health support at targeted elementary and middle schools, fully funded for now by state money allocated to counties affected by Hurricane Helene.
The Caldwell County Board of Education voted to approve an agreement with Empower You to deliver mental health supports at a limited number of schools for the remainder of the school year.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Phipps said state funds provided to counties affected by Hurricane Helene can cover the full cost of the program for the current period. The service will operate at grades 3–5 at Horizons, all grades at Gateway, and at Gamewell Middle School, combining in-person therapy with telehealth and coordination with school counselors and social workers.
Board members emphasized the district will monitor results during the second half of the year before considering expansion. When asked, Dr. Phipps confirmed the contract covers services only through this school year unless the board approves extension in the future.
The board approved the motion to enter the agreement with no recorded opposition. District officials said they vetted Empower You based on its work in other districts but did not provide contract dollar amounts during the meeting.
