Peoria Unified reviews partnership with Southwest Behavioral; draft MOUs sent to legal for review

Peoria Unified administrators presented an overview of the district’s school-based mental health partnership with Southwest Behavioral Health Services and told the governing board the memorandum(s) of understanding (MOUs) are under legal review and could be returned to the board for approval on April 24.

District staff described the relationship as an in‑kind arrangement that began in 2016: Southwest Behavioral uses district facilities at no facility‑use fee in exchange for providing school‑based mental health services on selected campuses. Administration said campus placement has been determined by where referrals originated and by district-identified high-needs sites; that process has resulted in Southwest Behavioral being present on 12 Peoria Unified campuses.

Program representatives and district staff told the board school-based services typically produce faster access to care than community outpatient options. The presenters said school‑based intakes and enrollment typically occur in five to seven days, compared with outpatient waits of roughly 10–14 days and private practice waits that can be 30 days or longer. Program data cited by administrators showed about 50–60% of referrals to Southwest Behavioral enroll in services. Administrators said during the summer the provider shifts many ongoing clients to virtual appointments or outpatient sites while continuing group options and other supports.

Two draft MOUs were described: one covering 08/01/2024–07/31/2026 and another from 08/01/2024–06/30/2025. Administration said both drafts are being reviewed by the district’s legal counsel; the board may receive a version for consideration after that review.

Public commenters and teachers at the meeting urged the board to continue the partnership. "The main goal is keeping kids safe and keeping kids in school," said Marcy Robb, who identified herself as a teacher with 35 years in the district and a supporter of school‑based services. Ironwood High School teacher Trina Berg said removing the service would harm "the most vulnerable students" who already exceeded the scope of school counselors.

Superintendent and district staff said Southwest Behavioral is not exclusive to Peoria Unified; administration has discussed potential partnerships with other providers but noted staffing across 43 schools can be a logistical constraint for any agency seeking to staff a large district reliably. The district also noted payment options for families who lack insurance may include grants and sliding‑scale self‑pay; Southwest reported it has secured grant funding in the past to cover some families.

Next steps: draft MOUs remain under legal review; board members and administration indicated a potential return of the item to the April 24 meeting for formal consideration and possible approval.