OC School Boards Association report spotlights school-based mental-health services; regionalization prompts debate

Mister Kuha summarized an Orange County School Boards Association presentation that emphasized expanding school-linked mental-health services and leadership-recognition programs. He described several initiatives highlighted by Commissioner Lacey Kimble, including a mental-health service for people 55 and older, the Handle with Care program that notifies schools when students are in distress, and plans to place satellite mental-health clinics in schools so students can access services onsite.

On the subject of district structure, Kuha reported that the association discussed ‘‘reorganization is not consolidation,’’ but that several member districts pushed back and said reorganization could be a step toward consolidation. “There was some pushback from some member school districts. They voiced concerns that reorganization is probably the first step towards consolidation,” he said.

Superintendent Mr. Bridal followed by clarifying terminology and by reporting that the district met with Access Supports for Living to explore a partnership for a school-based mental-health clinic. Bridal said New York State Education Department funding can cover outfitting—furniture and space—for such clinics; the district is considering agencies that can provide full wraparound services so initial school-based contact could lead to ongoing family support.

The discussion was informational; no formal vote or contract was approved for a clinic at the meeting. Board members said they are monitoring regionalization conversations and exploring options for partnerships to expand student mental-health supports.