Candidates at the Emmett School District forum described differing approaches to student mental and emotional health.

Clay Smith, who identified himself as a therapist, said schools should teach students how emotions arise and how to manage thought patterns: "We need to teach kids to stop complaining about circumstances...We need to teach it in the classroom." He argued classroom instruction in emotional skills should complement counseling.

Terry Jones framed mental-health needs alongside special education and staffing: "We've got 380 special eds...Have we got the horsepower to take care of these kids? The question was a definite no." Jones called for more qualified staff and less administrative burden so personnel can deliver services. Mona Barnes said the district is "failing some of our students" and would rely on staff to tell the board what supports are needed before seeking funding. Rick Johnston said he has no clinical training but would seek answers and bring stakeholders together to find solutions.

Why it matters: Student mental health underpins attendance, learning and long-term outcomes. Candidates proposed a mix of classroom-based skill instruction, increased personnel and legislative outreach as remedies.

No specific new programs or budget votes were proposed on mental-health services at the forum, though candidates emphasized the need to identify staff and funding levels to address current caseloads.