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Schools expand SPARK partnerships, add teletherapy funded by Jesse Parker Foundation grant
Summary
District mental-health staff described expanded SPARK partnerships with 22 local providers, 3,900 hours of school-based interventions, and a new teletherapy arrangement with Daybreak supported by a $25,000-per-year Jesse Parker Foundation grant for three years.
Sherry Ann Taylor reported the district is continuing to expand school-based mental-health services through SPARK and partner agencies.
Taylor said the district has grown to 22 community-based partners who provide daily or regular services in schools, and staff logged about 3,900 hours of school-based interventions to date. The presentation noted a figure read in the transcript as "5 47 referrals" (reported on-record); staff indicated this refers to the cumulative number of SPARK referrals to date and will be clarified in written materials.
She described a Daybreak teletherapy partnership funded by an annual $25,000 grant from the Jesse Parker Foundation for three years. Through that arrangement teletherapy will be available to selected students (alternative schools, Stillwell Elite, hospital/homebound and virtual students) at no direct cost when grant or insurance arrangements cover services.
Taylor said the district faces staffing challenges: 15 school psychologists are on staff with 13 vacancies, so the district uses internships and practicum relationships with Georgia State and Capella to fill gaps. She said SPARK agencies must contact families within 24 hours of a referral and aim to have services started within 72 hours assuming parental consent.
Board members asked about timelines for referrals, vacancy-reduction strategies and the scope of teletherapy; Taylor said the district is pursuing additional grants and recruiting at conferences and will provide more detailed documentation.
