Staff members say social workers are key to students' attendance and mental health

Staff members told the meeting that social workers are essential to keeping students in school and supporting their mental health, and that increased staffing has expanded support across school buildings.

"Social workers are very important for our children in this school," a staff member said, adding that they help students "get to school every day" and support their emotional regulation. The same speaker said about 25 years ago the district had 14 social workers and "today, there are 42," and asserted that "every single building has 1 social worker dedicated to that space."

Another staff member described the social worker role as "that bridge between the schools and the community," saying their goal is "connection" with students, staff and families and highlighting that social workers convey support through actions and body language. A different staff member described direct, daily duties: "We can do the care calls. We can regulate students. We can answer the door. We can greet parents."

Presenters also named community partners used to meet students' material needs, including "Let's Help," "Flint" and "Harvesters," and emphasized that social workers can immediately address visible needs such as ill-fitting shoes or clothing. One speaker said the work helps students "find their own solution" before returning to class.

Speakers linked investment in social work to classroom outcomes. "All the dedication to student well-being directly results in academic success," a staff member said, framing social work services as part of a strategy to improve attendance and learning. The presentation consisted of remarks about roles and examples of practice; no formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcript.