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School board tables MOU to restore Centerstone school mental‑health services after heated debate
Summary
Hamilton County School Board paused a proposed memorandum of understanding to immediately reinstate Centerstone mental‑health services in schools, voting 7‑4 to table the measure after hours of testimony and board discussion.
The Hamilton County School Board on Thursday voted 7‑4 to table a proposed memorandum of understanding that would have reinstated Centerstone mental‑health services in schools while the district issues a request for qualifications for longer‑term providers.
Board member Ben Conners, who presented the MOU to the board, framed the proposal as an effort to restore services for students and families. "Caring for our kids is not partisan. It is our moral obligation," Conners said, adding that the district had received "over 500 emails supporting Centerstone and their work" and that many students have Centerstone services written into their 504 plans or individualized education programs.
The MOU language presented to the board included a requirement that "all centers and employees will be background checked with Hamilton County Schools or Hamilton County Schools approved methods" and said reinstated services would continue "until such time as an RFQ can be fulfilled concerning student mental health services." Conners urged the board to approve the agreement as an interim step.
Board member Jody Schaefer moved to table the MOU; another member seconded. "With all respect to my fellow board member, this board has already spoken on this matter," Schaefer said when making the motion to table. After a roll call, the motion to table passed 7‑4.
Board discussion leading up to the vote included assertions about competing public sentiment and references to state policy. Conners said state leaders, including the governor, had directed additional funding for school mental‑health partnerships and argued the MOU aligned with those priorities. Opponents on the dais cited procedural and policy concerns in urging delay and further review.
Because the motion to table passed, the proposed MOU did not receive final approval and no immediate change to service contracts was ordered. Board members and district staff said the tabled item will return for future consideration; the board directed staff to provide follow‑up materials and next steps through the superintendent's office.
The matter drew sustained public and board attention, including references to legal protections for students' 504 plans and IEPs and to the volume of community correspondence. The board did not vote on an alternative interim arrangement during the meeting.
The tabling vote was 7 in favor of tabling and 4 opposed.
