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South Kingstown officials review Hazel Health telehealth option; district would limit services to outside school hours
Summary
Superintendent Pedraza described Hazel Health, a state-brokered telehealth platform, and told the School Committee the district would offer it as an optional, at‑home resource with parental consent and no district cost; sessions would not take place on school grounds or during class time under the district’s plan.
Superintendent Pedraza presented Hazel Health, a telehealth platform purchased by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) for districts to use, and said South Kingstown staff are considering whether to enter the state contract.
Pedraza said the district’s planned use would not include online therapy sessions during school hours or on school grounds. "We would not be having any of these sessions take place during school hours or on school grounds," he said, adding the district intends to offer the service only as "another tool for our school‑based personnel to offer parents and guardians who are in need."
Pedraza described how the platform would function: school staff or a guardian would make a referral; families would complete enrollment and choose preferences such as language and availability; students then attend weekly sessions from home via an Internet‑connected device. He said Hazel Health operates from roughly 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., provides certified counselors, and makes referrals for higher levels of care when needed.
On data and consent, Pedraza said no district data would be transferred to Hazel Health without parental consent. "There is absolutely no obligation for students and families to participate," he said, and "absolutely 0 data is shared unless a parent is requesting access to this platform or looking to seek a referral for their own child."
Committee members asked whether families without home Internet or devices could still access the service. Pedraza said the district can provide devices and hotspots in some cases and that sessions could occur by phone where necessary. He noted IT staff are available to work on any firewall or connectivity issues.
On funding and timing, Pedraza said RIDE purchased Hazel Health for a one‑year term that begins when a district signs the contract; the state may seek continued funding if enough districts enroll. He emphasized the district’s position that Hazel Health is intended to supplement — not replace — school psychologists, social workers, nurses, or the district’s MTSS referral process.
After discussion the committee voted to accept the superintendent’s report, which included the Hazel Health update.
