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Superintendent highlights student exchange with Rwanda as board adopts Youth Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan
Summary
Superintendent Jackie Collins and staff shared an international student‑exchange program with an all‑girls school in Rwanda and the board approved the Youth Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan required by the Florida Department of Education; Collins explained timelines, program elements and funding limitations.
Superintendent Jackie Collins showcased a Student Government Association exchange with an all‑girls boarding school in Rwanda and described plans for ongoing WhatsApp contact, video projects and pen‑pal connections, drawing praise from board members.
"My students' hearts were so full after our conversation and are very excited and eager for the next opportunity," Collins said, describing the students’ reactions and the cross‑cultural lessons learned. The presentation highlighted similarities in students’ daily lives, schedules and concerns across countries and emphasized the educational value of direct student to student contact.
Shortly after the recognition, the board considered Consent Agenda Item C: the Youth Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan. Collins explained that the allocation — required by the Florida Department of Education — provides an enrollment‑based allocation to help schools implement school‑based mental health assistance programs. She described required program elements: multi‑tiered systems of support, training for staff, assessment and referral windows (initiation and assessment actions within 15 days, referral to community providers within 30 calendar days when indicated), and evidence‑based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Collins told the board the allocation helps cover a portion of counseling and social work staff costs but generally does not fully fund those positions.
The Chair moved to approve Consent Item C; the Board approved the Youth Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan as presented.
What happens next: staff will apply the plan and report on implementation requirements and funding use as required by state guidance.
Representative quotes: "We had the opportunity to connect over WhatsApp with an all girls school ... it was amazing to realize how much we actually have in common," one student-style recap said during the presentation. "My students' hearts were so full after our conversation," Superintendent Collins said of the exchange.
Ending: The board approved the mental health allocation plan as part of the consent agenda and will continue to update the board on program operation and implementation.
