Collingswood wellness center closure tied to federal grant cancellation; district to assess replacement supports

District leadership told the board that the proposed closure of the middle/high wellness center was prompted by the cancellation of a federal grant that previously funded the program.

Dr. McDowell told the board that the Wellness Center had been funded beginning in 2022 with a federal award that provided approximately $970,000 per year for mental‑health services and that cancellation of that grant removed the external funding stream that supported the program. “We could not have anticipated that our grant would be canceled,” Dr. McDowell said. Administration explained that the program’s staffing and services were largely grant‑supported and that the district’s operating budget cannot absorb the full cost without other funding.

The superintendent said the district will meet with middle and high school leadership, counseling and mental‑health staff to assess capacity and plan transitions so students who relied on the wellness center will continue to have access to supports to the extent possible. Dr. McDowell said details about the depth of continued support cannot be finalized until building‑level leaders and mental‑health staff meet and align on capacity for September.

Several counselors who addressed the board emphasized the importance of mental‑health supports and asked for clear communication about service continuity if the Wellness Center closes. Administration committed to returning with a more concrete plan after internal meetings with campus leaders and counseling staff.