Board approves $100,000 contract to transition mental‑health services in house

Santa Paula Unified School District trustees approved a $100,000 service agreement with Ventura County Behavioral Health to support the district’s transition of some in‑school mental‑health services from a county contract to district employees.

District staff said the $100,000 covers the transition while the district brings two mental‑health associates and a supervisor onto district payroll. "It is for a $100,000," Dr. Lawrence told the board, describing the amount as a bridge while staffing changes take effect.

Staff told trustees the change will lower long‑term costs compared with past contract levels that the district described as about $400,000 historically and projected at $500,000–$550,000 in recent years. Dr. Lawrence said in‑house clinicians already provide more flexible, on‑campus support and educationally related social‑emotional services tied to IEPs.

Trustees asked about service levels and downside risks. A trustee asked whether the district would lose access to expertise from the county; Dr. Lawrence said the district had coordinated an intentional handoff with Ventura County Behavioral Health and expected continued partnership where needed.

The board moved, seconded and approved the agreement in a preferential/board vote. Staff said the positions are currently being paid through a mental‑health grant and that the district expects cost savings once the contract reliance decreases.

Next steps: staff will continue the transition to district‑employed clinicians, coordinate with school sites for service coverage, and return with any required operational follow‑up.