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Parents, students and staff urge district to preserve school‑based mental‑health team
Summary
Multiple public commenters — parents, a student and a former district mental‑health worker — told the budget committee that cutting the Polk County school‑based mental‑health contract would harm students, urging collaborative alternatives and greater transparency.
Several parents, students and a former district mental‑health worker used public comment to urge the Central School District 13J budget committee to preserve school‑based mental‑health services scheduled for potential reduction in the proposed budget.
Britta Centoni, a parent and former member of the school‑based mental‑health team, told the committee cutting the Polk County contract ‘‘without collaboration with them on how we're gonna move forward is irresponsible,’’ and said the team contributes to suicide prevention, dropout prevention and classroom stability. Emily McNulty, another parent, described access to the school‑based mental‑health associate as ‘‘life‑changing’’ for her child and called for better transparency from district leadership about proposed cuts and next steps.
Students also spoke. Aaron Nolan, an 11th‑grade student, said counseling resources and the wellness room have been ‘‘crucial and critical to the success of many students, including myself.’’ Venus Martin, another student, credited in‑school supports with helping manage social anxiety and maintaining family relationships. Commenters warned that eliminating the contract outright would shift needs back to parents, community health providers, or increase special‑education placements.
Staff had presented three Polk County contract cost options: a full service plan (~$623,000), a mid‑level option (~$427,000) and a smaller elementary‑focused option. Committee discussion centered on how to find those funds — suggestions included a one‑percent contingency reduction, targeted furlough days (board authority), or building‑level cuts proposed by principals — and how to present practicable, legal options to the board.
The committee voted to approve the budget and attached a note urging the board to preserve mid‑to‑high level school‑based mental‑health services (estimated $427,000–$623,000). Staff said they will present specific funding scenarios to the board for its June 26 adoption meeting.
