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Resident urges CIT training for at least one counselor or teacher in each Winchester school
Summary
A Winchester resident told the board that Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training should be provided to at least one staff member in every school to help de‑escalate student crises and provide mental‑health support where outside resources are scarce.
Sherry Hutton, who identified herself as a Winchester resident, addressed the board during the public comment period to request Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for at least one teacher or counselor in each school. Hutton said she has three children in Winchester schools, all with special education plans, and that one of her children—an 11‑year‑old at Daniel Morgan Intermediate—would have benefited from staff trained to de‑escalate crises and support students who dissociate or show acute anxiety.
"I know that first responders do have it, and I feel like teachers are on, honestly, first responders because that's who lays the foundation," Hutton said, urging the board to consider in‑school training to fill gaps in external mental‑health resources and insurance coverage for families.
Board members did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting; the speaker’s comments were recorded during the public comment portion of the agenda and will be part of the meeting record.
