District expands MTSS/SEL work and opens on‑site mental health clinic at high school

District leaders told trustees the MTSS and social‑emotional learning framework (Castle) was a major focus this year, with staff training, late‑start professional learning and a short pilot of a chosen SEL curriculum in spring. The assistant superintendent said the pilot lasted about four to five weeks and will be expanded with more teacher training and a longer launch next year; the team is also exploring comparable curricula for a robust implementation.

In response to student mental‑health needs identified by surveys, the district said it launched an on‑site mental health clinic at the high school this year through a different grant after a previous grant supporting a student assistance counselor ended. The assistant superintendent and superintendent praised BOCES RECOVES partnership for strategic coaching and professional development, and said the district will identify options to sustain the work after grant funding ends.

Special education workflow and the counseling department’s work on transcripts and scheduling were also noted as ongoing summer priorities. The assistant superintendent thanked staff for implementation and said further updates will come once pilot data and screener decisions are finalized.