School counselors cite gains on several youth mental‑health measures and outline Shaw Challenge rollout

On April 6 the Sanford School Committee received a data update showing improvements on multiple measures of student mental health between 2023 and 2025 and heard how a new four‑year Shaw Challenge grant will be used to expand prevention efforts.

Beth Lambert, director of school counseling, presented results from the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS). She said that at the high school the share of students reporting prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness fell from 42.4% in 2023 to 30.7% in 2025; at the middle school the comparable decline was from 39.3% to 34.2%. Responses to a question about seriously considering attempting suicide fell at the high school from 24.2% in 2023 to 13.4% in 2025, she reported. On youth vaping, high‑school affirmative responses dropped from 37.4% (2023) to 28.7% (2025).

Lambert described the Shaw Challenge, a four‑year public‑health strategy affiliated with MaineHealth that brings a $1.6 million statewide investment; Sanford will receive about $10,000 annually (roughly $40,000 over four years) for program implementation, training and technical assistance. The district will build on programs already in place — Sources of Strength and SOS (Signs of Suicide) — and expand interventions such as enhanced health curriculum, guest speakers, family conversations, and district lessons addressing substance perception and bullying.

Committee members asked about MIYHS survey wording and timing. Lambert noted the survey is anonymous and that parents may opt out; she also said MIYHS data processing can take months and she planned to consult with a state questionnaire author to clarify confusing wording in some items.

Lambert cautioned that while several indicators showed gains, bullying and electronic bullying remain concerns, and she said the district will keep work on prevention, student supports and outreach central to next steps.