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District reports drop in mental‑health screener participation; clinics and referrals discussed
Summary
Officials said participation in the district’s Science of Suicide (SOS) mental‑health screener dropped to about 33% this year after legislative changes and that clinics averaged roughly 114 mental‑health appointments per month; staff reported 50 students identified for follow‑up and a decrease from prior years in referrals tied to the earlier grant.
District staff reported a decline in participation in the Science of Suicide (SOS) screener and summarized the district’s referral activity and mental‑health supports.
Presenters told trustees that participation in the SOS screener this year was approximately 33% across secondary sites, a decline from roughly 76% before recent statutory changes on parental consent. Of those screened, about 50 students received follow‑up check‑ins and the presenter noted one crisis/DHS referral during the period discussed. Over five years of grant work the district reported 2,777 referrals with a 60% connection rate; the Project AWARE grant concluded in December 2025 and work shifted into state mental‑health grants.
Staff also described school‑based supports and referrals: a school‑based clinic averaged roughly 114 mental‑health appointments per month; referral reasons consistently included anxiety, home stress, mood and behavior concerns. Trustees and staff discussed the unintended consequence of lower screening participation following changes to parental‑consent rules and considered whether the district should advocate for changes to screening opt‑in procedures.
Why it matters: Lower participation in universal screeners can reduce early identification of students who may need support. Trustees discussed balancing parental consent requirements with outreach to improve participation and connection rates.
What happens next: Staff will continue to monitor referral rates, pursue interagency coordination, and consider outreach or advocacy options to improve participation in screenings and connection to services.
