Orange County Schools board approves 2025 school‑based mental health plan

Orange County Schools leaders presented and the board approved the district’s 2025 school‑based mental health plan, which will be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as required.

The plan, staff said, aligns with the State Board policy (SHLT 3) and statewide templates and emphasizes whole‑child supports, aligning SEL and school mental health with academic goals. Presenters described a multi‑tiered approach that includes districtwide implementation of RethinkEd for Tier 1 SEL, required Youth Mental Health First Aid for specialized instructional support personnel, optional training for other staff, and expansion of the ADAPT substance‑use prevention program across secondary schools.

Staff previewed pilot data collected from Jan. 1 to June 6, 2025: 389 incidents categorized as meeting basic needs (clothing, hygiene or food), 2,118 family contacts, 78 referrals to mental health care, and 887 incidents of services provided to students identified in Exceptional Children categories (reported as incident counts, not distinct students). Presenters emphasized the data are incident tallies and will be compiled annually going forward.

During Q&A board members pressed for details on trauma‑informed training targets, how staff will notice early warning signs, and how families and community partners will be involved. Presenters said initial training targets focus on student support staff (counselors, social workers, nurses and psychologists) with a plan to train additional staff over time; they also described monthly coordination with Orange Partnership and other community providers.

After discussion, a motion to approve the mental health plan was moved and seconded and the board approved it. The plan will be submitted to NC DPI for state review.