Students lead county mental-health coalition events; Redford Union selects student representatives

Redford Union administrators updated the board on student mental-health efforts and a county coalition that brought together students from multiple districts for a one-day summit on Dec. 8.

Tamara Dillard, executive director of student services, described the Hope Empowerment Coalition event at Northville and said the county-level session engaged 31 students from neighboring districts; 17 of those students were from Redford Union. Dillard said the student-led breakout sessions explored stigma, teacher training, consistent school resources and student voice in designing school supports.

From the Dec. 8 meeting, Redford Union will select a student delegation to participate in follow-up work. Dillard said the district will nominate six students (three from the high school, three from the junior high) to represent Redford Union at the March 1 follow-up in Plymouth and at a proposed April event the district may host.

Board members and administrators also highlighted Hope Squad activities at the high school and said three students from the district recently presented at a Metro Bureau event about Hope Squad work. District staff said student participation has led to broader community visibility for the program.

The board discussed the difference between Hope Squad activities and other county suicide-prevention work and confirmed the district will continue student-led presentations to external groups. No changes to district policy were proposed at the meeting.

Administrators said more student-centered events are planned and invited the board to future student presentations. Dillard asked that students be given opportunities to present directly to the board as the district develops mission and vision statements for student mental-health work.