Missoula trustees hear work session on MCPS systems of support, mental‑health screening and building safety

Missoula County Public Schools trustees received an information‑only work session on district systems of support, mental‑health screening and school safety measures, including new screening partnerships and districtwide safety practices.

Superintendent Hill introduced a district team that described a tiered multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) for whole‑child wellness, the district’s community partnerships and several new or expanded interventions. "These systems of support are essential components of a healthy and strong education system," said Assistant Superintendent Binney ("Benny") Jamona, who led the presentation.

Staff described tier 1 as universal, schoolwide supports; tier 2 as targeted small‑group interventions; and tier 3 as individualized supports, which may include special education or therapeutic services. Presenters said research benchmarks the distribution of students roughly as 70–80 percent tier 1, 15–20 percent tier 2 and 5–10 percent tier 3, and they noted COVID‑era increases in demand for tier 2 and 3 interventions.

District staff explained screening and clinical partnerships. The district is piloting a computerized mental‑health screener (combining…