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District outlines mental‑health system, Medicaid strategy and CTE expansion in Focus Area 2 update
Summary
District leaders reported expansion of a three‑tier mental and behavioral health system serving about 2,370 students at the universal level, new Medicaid reimbursement efforts, a transition to Panorama for data and progress monitoring, and growth in CTE pathways supported by Perkins Innovation grant funding.
District leaders presented a mid‑year update on Strategic Plan Focus Area 2, emphasizing a districtwide, tiered counseling and mental‑health system and expanded career and technical education (CTE) opportunities.
A presenter described the system as three tiers: universal supports (Tier 1) for about 2,370 students, targeted interventions (Tier 2) serving roughly 251 students, and intensive services (Tier 3) for about 114 students and families. "This work is really led by our school counselors," the presenter said, noting partnerships with Northwest Colorado Health and other community providers and that the district contracts with about 16–17 private practice providers to deliver specialized services.
The presentation outlined a braided funding model: general funds (about 28%), the Education Fund Board (about 29%), and grants (about 43.25%); presenters warned that nearly 40% of current grant funding is set to expire at year end, prompting planning for sustainability. The district has begun participating in Medicaid reimbursement to support eligible services and has expanded contracts with partners that can bill Medicaid directly.
To improve screening and progress‑monitoring, the district is transitioning from the BiMass platform to Panorama, which presenters said will better support collaboration, data sharing and student‑level tracking for interventions. Board members asked whether Panorama data are tracked at the student level and how Panorama will help identify pockets of concern; presenters said Panorama supports both universal surveys and individual student plans.
Separately, high school staff reviewed CTE and workforce readiness: the district offers 18 AP courses and about 30 concurrent enrollment courses, has expanded welding certifications and other credentials, and reported that 71% of last year’s graduates met at least one of the state’s "big 3" markers (college credit, industry credential or work‑based learning). The district received a Perkins Innovation grant of $120,000 to invest in the construction program and plans additional internships and supervised entrepreneurial experiences.
Board members thanked staff for the work and pressed for clarity about sustainability of funding, service availability for multilingual learners and how data will be used to identify students at risk. Presenters said ongoing training, Medicaid reimbursement and community partnerships are central to maintaining the system.
