District reports $115,000 January allotment for mental-health services; federal funding remains uncertain

Silver Consolidated Schools administrators updated the board on the district’s mental-health grant status Feb. 18, reporting an immediate January allotment and ongoing uncertainty about future federal funding.

Administrators said the district was invited to join a state team on a mental-health initiative and that the district received ‘‘just over, a 115,000’’ dollars for January, which must be spent by March. The district has used that funding to maintain three mental-health staff members and an intern and to support apps and services students use for mental-health care.

Officials described a complex funding environment: federal grant awards and disbursements are subject to litigation and injunctions, which have resulted in month-to-month funding reviews and pauses in some payments. Administrator remarks noted the district could pursue additional legal pathways, including potential contract-related claims in federal court, to recover unpaid amounts; board members were asked for direction on future steps.

Superintendent Hawkins urged constituents to pressure elected representatives to ensure consistent follow-through on promised federal grants, calling the issue ‘‘a kid issue’’ and urging nonpartisan advocacy. Administrators said they have applied for additional grants, some of which were denied or faced eligibility notices, and that they will report back as appeals and reviews proceed.