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Board authorizes posting of two school social-worker positions
Summary
The board approved posting two licensed social-worker positions to provide school-based mental-health support (one for high-school/middle-school, one covering both elementary schools); administration said the roles fit current budgets and will be posted immediately.
The board voted to post two school social-worker positions after administrators described the roles as a response to increased mental-health needs in classrooms.
"The hiring of school social workers brings a lot of benefits," Mr. Chapman said. He outlined services the positions would provide: mental-health support, improved academic performance, enhanced behavior management, family engagement and crisis response. He told trustees the request fits within the existing budget and that the positions would be 190-day contracts (185 contract days plus five days for data work).
Trustees emphasized certification and qualifications: the board asked that posted candidates hold appropriate licensure and social-work credentials rather than hiring "warm bodies."
Administrators said the district will post one social worker to serve the high school and middle school and one to serve the two elementary buildings; the positions will report to the student-services coordinator and work with guidance counselors, principals and community partners to target at-risk students.
A motion to post the two positions was moved and seconded and carried. Administrators said they will return with implementation details and recommended scheduling/staggering to ensure coverage across the school day.
