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Social-work intern urges Cypress board to expand SEL and school-based mental-health support
Summary
Anthony Mai, a master's in social work student and school social-work intern, told the board that early social-emotional learning and school-based counseling can reduce depression and anxiety and urged the district to reinforce SEL and family involvement.
At the April 10 Cypress School District Board meeting, Anthony Mai identified himself as a master's in social work student at USC and a school social-work intern and urged the board to increase early mental-health interventions in schools. Mai cited research showing that social-emotional learning (SEL) programs can reduce depression, anxiety and stress and improve academic and social outcomes.
Why it matters: Board members heard a community request to prioritize mental-health supports at a time when students are experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. Mai argued that classroom SEL lessons and reinforcing those lessons across settings — including family involvement — can prevent issues from escalating and better equip students to manage emotional difficulties.
What he proposed: Mai said one effective approach is consistent SEL instruction (for example, curricula such as Second Step) coupled with individual and group counseling and stronger connections between schools and families. He described having observed positive impacts during his internship with Garden Grove Unified School District and recommended the district expand early intervention and reinforcement strategies.
Board follow-up: The public comment concluded without immediate policy action; trustees later continued with the agenda. The comment was received for the record and may be referred to staff for consideration under usual public-comment procedures.
