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Montgomery County councilmembers say mental health will be prioritized in next budget after student questions
Summary
Student board member Anuva Malu asked how county budget priorities will support student well‑being. Council President Kate Stewart and committee chairs said mental‑health staffing, wellness centers and nonprofit partnerships will be emphasized and announced an upcoming joint hearing on an OLLO mental‑health report.
Anuva Malu, the student member of the Montgomery County Board of Education, asked councilmembers how the county budget will prioritize student well‑being. Council President Kate Stewart and councilmembers said mental health is a top priority in the next budget cycle and emphasized coordination with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and local nonprofits to expand services.
"Throughout this year, I have been really prioritizing the issue of mental health and raising awareness, especially with our young people," Council President Kate Stewart said, noting the council will work with MCPS to align services and funding. Councilmember Guilbe Albornoz highlighted investments in social workers and community programs and warned that staffing and infrastructure costs for schools remain a significant need. Councilmember Laurie Ann Sales added the council will hold a joint public hearing on an OLLO mental‑health report with the Health and Human Services and Public Safety committees.
