Board member introduces districtwide educator mental‑health framework and a student mental‑health awareness day

Board member Rivas introduced a resolution on June 10 directing Chicago Public Schools to develop a districtwide educator mental‑health framework that would create role‑specific structures, require transparent reporting and align with state law and multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS).

Rivas told the committee that educator mental health is foundational to student safety and academic success and described the proposal as a district commitment to sustainable roles and accountability rather than ad hoc supports. "Healthy, supported educators are critical to developing and maintaining safe, equitable, and consistently flourishing learning environments," Rivas said.

President Shan B. Harden and honorary student board member Destiny Singleton introduced a separate resolution to establish an instructional mental‑health awareness day across the district. Singleton described the proposal as a student‑led effort to create structured time for well‑being, coping skills, and community care: "Our students have gone through a great deal over the past few years and are now looking to the board and this district to offer a moment of relief from everyday pressures." The proposed day would include optional programming aligned to social‑emotional learning and report back to the board in December on implementation.

Both items were presented in committee for discussion and scheduled for future board consideration later this month. Staff and members emphasized coordination with unions, school leaders and existing counseling and mental‑health resources during implementation planning.