Trustees, teachers and parents urge action after district learns federal mental‑health grant was cut

At the May 6 meeting, Trustee Brianna Cen reported that during a recent federal advocacy trip the district received notice from the U.S. Department of Education that the district’s school‑based mental‑health grant would be canceled. Board members said the grant funded school social workers, counselors and a wellness team and warned that losing the funds would reduce critical supports for students in crisis.

"Last week, when I heard that our school social workers and counselors may be cut due to the loss of federal grant funding, my heart sank," said Julia Cole, a transitional‑kindergarten teacher who addressed the board during public comment and said those professionals are "vital" supports for students facing trauma and instability.

Trustees described meetings with congressional offices in Washington and said they were pressing local representatives to understand the scope of the cut and to advocate on the district’s behalf. Trustee Brianna Cen said staff coordinated with neighboring districts (including Lemon Grove) that were also affected and attempted to get in‑person meetings at the Department of Education; she described limited ability to make direct contact there.

Board members and staff recounted personal experiences that underscore the role of school‑based mental‑health services. In closing communications trustees reiterated plans to continue outreach to federal officials and to publicize the local impacts. District leaders said they will fight for clarification and, where possible, to restore funding or identify alternate resources.

No final funding decision was made during the meeting; trustees described ongoing advocacy and said they would keep the community informed.