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Board approves MOU with City of Las Cruces to fund in-person behavioral health services at school clinics
Summary
The board approved a one-year memorandum of understanding with the City of Las Cruces to provide $150,000 for in-person behavioral health staffing, training and equipment at school-based health centers; vote was 4-0.
The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education approved on Aug. 19 a one-year memorandum of understanding with the City of Las Cruces that provides $150,000 to help staff, train and equip in-person behavioral health providers at the district’s school-based health centers.
Doctor Lozano presented the MOU and said the funding fills a gap in on-site behavioral health coverage that grew after the pandemic as some providers shifted to virtual-only services. The funds were tied to an RFP the board had previously approved for a service provider, Lozano said, and will be used specifically to support in-person providers working directly with district health centers.
Board members thanked the city for the allocation. Vice President Noland asked whether the money was intended for salaries; Lozano confirmed it would help cover staffing and training costs. Board members described the MOU as a partnership to ensure there is in-person behavioral-health support and referenced past incidents where students seeking help were unable to receive on-site services.
A motion to approve the MOU was moved by Vice President Noland and seconded by Secretary Wofford. Secretary Wofford voted yes; Vice President Noland yes; President Court yes; Mr. Frank had stepped out during the vote — the clerk recorded the outcome as 4-0 in favor.
Ending: The board approved the MOU and directed staff to implement the contract with the selected provider and to report back on provider placement and service levels.
