Board reviews proposed CartwheelCare agreement to use HB 268 mental-health funds
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Summary
Staff told the board the state llocated $19.6 million under House Bill 268 (Ricky and Alyssa's Law) for school mental health; Harris County's allotment is $40,000 and CartwheelCare proposed a $34,000 telehealth program for grades 6–12, leaving $6,000 for district discretionary support for uninsured students; staff asked for legal review before execution.
Miss Baker presented a proposed memorandum of agreement with CartwheelCare that would use funds allocated under House Bill 268 (Ricky and Alyssa's Law) to expand school-based mental health services for grades 6–12.
"That bill designated $19,600,000 to school mental health," Miss Baker said, explaining the state formula resulted in $20,000 for each middle and high school in the district (two schools, $40,000 total). CartwheelCare—ame from the state-approved vendor list; Baker said the vendor quoted $34,000 for services to the district and that would leave a remaining $6,000 at the district level to assist uninsured or underinsured students.
Baker described the services as telehealth-based, requiring parental consent and a phased implementation. She said CartwheelCare will provide clinicians and scheduling and all clinical services; the district nd Department of Social Services would handle referrals and connections to counselors. Baker said the district will not process insurance filings but could use discretionary funds to cover costs for students who lack adequate coverage.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the referral cap, legal review and the phase-in schedule. A member sought confirmation that the district would vet the MOA with the board attorney before signing; staff agreed. Baker also noted the district already uses other providers (Georgia Hope, New Horizons, Georgia Apex) and selected CartwheelCare because of the fit and responsiveness to district needs.
No final approval was given in committee; staff asked the board to vet the proposed MOA and authorize further legal review and refinement of operational details before any execution.
Next steps: staff plans strategic meetings with CartwheelCare after Christmas break, and will return with more details on scope, referral limits and legal review.