High-school student reps tell board stigma and funding limit seeking help; peer-support suggested

Two student representatives addressed the Tumwater School District board about mental‑health supports, reporting a mixture of confidence in staff plus concerns about stigma and funding.

A Black Hills High School student said the "general student consensus was positive" and that "most students thought that they faced no significant barriers that prevented them from seeking help in their schooling." The student noted, however, that many students said they felt uncomfortable using counseling services when the counselors were not their regular staff and often preferred peers, trusted staff or clubs for support.

A Pasadena High School student echoed access concerns tied to funding and social judgment. The Pasadena student said a persistent mindset of viewing therapy as "for the weak" discourages some peers from seeking help and cited bullying and fear of being judged as central barriers. The student added that suggestions from peers included creating more opportunities for connection between students and teachers, expanding student‑led clubs, and piloting a peer‑to‑peer support program with training for student volunteers.

Both students framed their remarks as reporting student feedback rather than advancing formal district policy. Board discussion that followed focused on how the district might elevate student voice (including a student advisory council referenced by staff later in the meeting) and on funding constraints. No binding decisions or districtwide program adoptions were recorded in the transcript; staff and trustees indicated follow‑up and continued conversation would be necessary to convert ideas into funded programs.