District presents trauma‑informed approach; board approves plan covering about 450 students

Miss Mikayla Vaughn, the district mental health specialist, presented the Russell County School District’s trauma‑informed approach plan and outlined the services and partnerships that support students in crisis.

Vaughn said state statute requires a trauma‑informed plan and described district efforts including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), KIPP surveys to monitor student experience, ongoing partnerships with counseling agencies (10 regular providers, expanding to 12 on the next reporting cycle) and the "handle with care" notice process with law enforcement to alert schools when an incident affects a student’s home. "We have to have a trauma informed plan for our school district, which is just ensuring that we are being trauma focused with all the things that is going on in our world and that we are aiding and taking care of our kids as best as we can," Vaughn said.

She reported approximately 450 students currently receive school‑based counseling services — about 15% of the district — and emphasized that supports extend beyond teachers to bus drivers, kitchen staff and custodians trained to notice changes in students. Vaughn noted that agencies routinely coordinate with school staff and sometimes contact her on weekends to ensure coverage.

Following the presentation the board moved to approve the trauma‑informed approach plan as presented and the motion carried on a recorded roll call.

The approval authorizes continuing the district’s expanded counseling partnerships, PBIS implementation and the planned KIPP surveying for the coming year. Staff will continue to manage agreements with outside counseling agencies and to report implementation details to the board.