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Student-led proposal would pilot two excused mental-health days at Kirkwood High School
Summary
A Kirkwood High School graduate presented survey-backed proposals for a pilot allowing up to two excused mental-health days for high school students; the district plans an attendance-code pilot in fall 2026 with data collection and a spring 2027 review.
Nevaeh McClendon, a recent Kirkwood High School graduate, urged the Kirkwood Board of Education to pilot a policy allowing students up to two excused mental-health days per year at the high school level and described the research and student survey that informed the proposal.
"Mental health days acknowledge that mental health is physical health," Nevaeh told the board, summarizing student survey findings she shared: she said 93% of surveyed students identified schoolwork and grades as a top source of stress; 76.7% reported they had needed a mental-health day but had not been able to secure one; and 85.9% supported district allowance of such days. Nevaeh said the proposal would not require additional teacher preparation and would be implemented through a new attendance code and a structured pilot-feedback cycle.
Dr. Bailey, presenting for the wellness committee, described administrative procedures that currently define excused absences and noted that some existing reasons for excusal require documentation from a licensed mental-health professional. He and board members discussed removing that barrier for the proposed mental-health days, adding parent verification, and using counselors to monitor patterns.
Board members expressed support while asking about verification, misuse safeguards and the evidence behind the proposed two-day limit. Nevaeh said the number originated as an incremental pilot recommendation from school administration to test the approach.
Dr. Bailey said the district would treat the proposal as an administrative pilot for KHS in fall 2026, track usage and outcomes during the school year, and report findings to the board in spring 2027 for possible expansion or policy adoption. He recommended coding up to two mental-health days as excused absences for high school students so the district can collect data and provide follow-up supports when needed.
No final board policy was adopted at the meeting; presenters and trustees described next steps for implementing a pilot and returning results to the board.
