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June 18, 2024 Board Meeting
Agenda Item 48.
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| | | | | | | | Title
APPROVAL OF THE SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOLS MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE ALLOCATION PLAN FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Description
In 2018, Senate Bill 7026 established the Mental Health Assistance Allocation (MHAA) within the Florida Education Finance Program to provide funding to assist school districts in establishing or expanding school-based mental health care. The 2023 legislative session required each school district to implement a school-based mental health assistance program that includes training to detect and respond to mental health concerns. The school district must develop a plan that is approved by the district school board. This plan has been developed in accordance with Florida Statutory requirements.
Gap Analysis
23-24 School Year
- 94% of students whose parents consented to community-based mental health therapy referral received services.
- Proactive Behavior Response Team provided 690 days of direct student intervention and support resulting in an increase of students remaining in their least restrictive environment.
22-23 School Year
- 69% of students whose parents consented to community- based mental health therapy referral received services.
- Proactive Behavior Response Team provided 548 days of intervention and support resulting in an increase of students remaining in their least restrictive environment.
Previous Outcomes
During the 2023-2024 school year, five additional social workers were funded and hired through the Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan (MHAAP) to support students, families, and staff across Sarasota County Schools. This initiative improved the social worker-to-student ratio, enabling our social workers to provide more focused and intentional direct student support. As a result, over 2,000 direct student interventions were delivered throughout the school year. Social workers expanded support to families by helping them connect with community supports, resources, and services, with parental consent. Social workers previously were responsible for three to four schools each, but this year each social worker supported two schools.
Additionally, a School Counseling Specialist was added to our team to support the implementation of Comprehensive School Counseling Plans aligned with site-based School Improvement Plans. This new staff member also provided professional learning opportunities, on-site technical assistance, and facilitated collaboration with community partners for our school-based mental health service providers.
Expected Outcomes
By effectively onboarding and retaining our new staff during the 2023-2024 school year, we anticipate a significant increase in the implementation of mental and behavioral health Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) within Sarasota County Schools. This expansion will equip school-based mental health services providers with additional strategies and resources to provide effective mental and behavioral health interventions directly to students. These interventions are designed to foster strong, student-centered relationships and ultimately enhance resiliency, engagement, and academic success.
This plan will improve the student-to-support-staff ratios and streamline the system for accessing necessary and requested services, thereby enhancing overall support for students and families.
Strategic Plan Goal
Pillar Two: Every Student Supported;
Priority: 2.4 Build Student-Centered Relationships.
Recommendation
That the Sarasota County Schools Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan for the 2024-2025 school year be approved as presented and required by statute.
Contact Information
AMANDA COKER amanda.coker@sarasotacountyschools.net
DEBRA GIACOLONE debra.giacolone@sarasotacountyschools.net
KIRK HUTCHINSON kirk.hutchinson@sarasotacountyschools.net
RACHAEL O'DEA rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net
Financial Impact
N/A
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