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School board approves district mental‑health plan that funds counselors, screening and training
Summary
The Levy County School Board approved the district mental‑health plan after a presentation by district staff; the plan emphasizes ongoing counseling services, universal screening (Insights), PBIS supports and Youth Mental Health First Aid training, and staff said finding qualified counselors remains the biggest barrier.
District staff presented the annual district mental‑health plan and the Levy County School Board approved it by voice vote. Ms. Clock presented the plan and introduced Ms. Lisa Pender, a district mental‑health counselor who described therapeutic services and the referral process.
The plan, as presented, includes a district mental‑health coordinator, two licensed mental‑health counselors (with the district paying 50% of a board‑certified behavior analyst), use of the Insights universal screener twice a year, expanded PBIS implementation tied to Skyward, and professional learning including Youth Mental Health First Aid. Ms. Pender described the difference between school counselors (academic and brief emotional support) and the district mental‑health counselors (ongoing, therapeutic interventions), noting that referrals follow tiered interventions and require parent consent when applicable.
Board members asked about capacity and barriers; presenters said staffing shortages are the principal challenge and that the district has funds but needs qualified professionals. Ms. Pender noted clinical referral indicators (severe distress, persistent trauma, panic attacks, reentry after Baker Act) and the district’s process to escalate students from tier‑one classroom supports to tier‑two and tier‑three mental‑health services.
A motion to approve the mental‑health plan was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. The plan’s immediate actions include continuing screening, staffing recruitment, quarterly data reviews of students receiving services and coordination with outside wraparound agencies when students need care beyond district capacity.
