Waxahachie ISD announces counseling center grand opening; security and health updates presented to SHAC
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Summary
District staff announced a new WISD counseling center with licensed therapists and coordinated student transportation; Lieutenant Derek Young gave a security update (vaping incidents, a marijuana incident, an explicit minor video under investigation, and a student taken for psychiatric care).
Ginger (WISD counseling staff) told the SHAC that Waxahachie ISD has opened a counseling center in the former Bridal Union building near Global that will house Mind Above Matter services and a Next Steps counselor, provide office space for regional coordinators, and offer intensive outpatient options for students in grades 6–12. She said the district will bus students from their home campuses to the center and that therapy sessions can be scheduled to avoid missed core classes; the planned grand opening is Tuesday, April 21 at 12:00 noon, with tours available later in the day.
On security, Lieutenant Derek Young said the district has collected vape devices from several middle schools and that evidence will be destroyed. He reported a recent marijuana incident at the high school and said officers are investigating circulation of an explicit video involving a minor. Young said one child exhibiting concerning behavior was removed from school yesterday and taken to a psychiatric facility; he asked the committee to be patient as investigations and follow‑up proceed.
On health data, district health staff reported that local flu activity has dropped to 'sporadic' levels and that Waxahachie High School had seven positive marijuana test results this month (five first‑time positives and two repeat positives); staff said they will meet with affected families. Health staff noted that common forms of substance use seen include vaping and edibles and that they work with campuses to determine the substance and provide family meetings for follow up.
Committee members asked procedural questions about transportation and program scheduling. District staff said the counseling program is open for tours at the grand opening and that additional information and flyers will be circulated to committee members.
