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Marion County board approves $2.9 million mental-health allocation to expand school-based services
Summary
The Marion County School Board unanimously approved the district's comprehensive mental health allocation plan, directing about $2.9 million in state funds toward school counselors, social workers, psychologists, contracted providers and screening tools to expand in-school mental health care.
The Marion County School Board unanimously approved a comprehensive mental-health allocation plan on July 14 that uses about $2.9 million in state funds to expand school-based mental-health services.
Superintendent Danielle Brewer introduced Yvette Del Bridal, the district's director of mental health, who told the board the funding must be used to "establish and expand school-based mental health care, provide training, and facilitate connecting students to services." Del Bridal said the allocation will support school counselors, school social workers, psychologists, a state-required mental-health coordinator, contracted providers and implementation of a standardized screener to identify students in need.
"The funds are used to support staff that provides direct services to students," Del Bridal said, listing partnerships with Ocala Consulting and Prevention, SMA Healthcare and referral case management through Brave. She also said funds will cover tier 2 and tier 3 interventions and training for school-based providers.
Board members praised the clarity of the plan and the stewardship of funds. Board Member Nancy Thrower said that while the total allocation "at first glance, it's like, gosh, that's a lot of money," Del Bridal's outline made clear how the dollars will be spent and why the funding is required by the state.
The board voted 5-0 to approve the plan. The motion was presented and seconded by board members Cummings and Campbell, respectively.
Next steps: the district will implement the staffing and contract arrangements Del Bridal described and report on spending and outcomes as required by state assurances.
