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District accepts $15,000 increase to Tennessee Prevention Network award to expand substance‑use prevention training
Summary
The committee recommended approving an amendment that increases a state award for the Tennessee Prevention Network by $15,000 (bringing the total to $90,800) to train more school social workers and expand a positive action curriculum aimed at preventing substance misuse among students in grades 6–12.
The committee reviewed a proposed amendment to the district’s contract with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to increase funding for the Tennessee Prevention Network program by $15,000, bringing the total award for the current contract to $90,800.
Angela Whitelaw presented the amendment and described the purpose as expansion of prevention training and services. She said the program supports primary prevention services—education and prevention for students who have not been identified as needing treatment—and includes an evidence‑based curriculum called Positive Action for middle and high school students. "This particular contract is really for us to work with the Tennessee Prevention Network, and it's our statewide prevention program directed at providing primary prevention services to individuals who have not been determined to require treatment for substance use disorders," Whitelaw said.
Director Goins (program lead) explained that the additional funds will be used to train approximately 20 additional school social workers and to provide program materials. The intent is to grow the number of trained staff from approximately 30 to about 50 social workers trained in the Prevention Network curriculum, enabling the program to serve more students. Goins also confirmed the curriculum covers vaping and other forms of substance use; it is a 10‑week program used with grades 6–12.
Staff told the committee the grant operates on a reimbursement basis—services are provided and invoiced to the state rather than paid to the district up front—and limits repeat enrollments for the same student in the same program cycle. Committee members asked about patterns of schools served, feeder patterns, and what wraparound and follow‑up services are available for students who need continued support; staff said they would provide school lists and additional details on referral and follow‑up pathways.
The committee recommended acceptance of the amendment; the item will be submitted to the full board for approval. No final board vote was recorded at the committee level.
