Board authorizes application for Brighter Futures grant to support a Whitewater school navigator

The board voted to authorize staff to submit an application for a Brighter Futures grant that could fund a mental-health navigator position in Whitewater High School for up to five years with a 25% local match requirement. Staff said Whitewater had applied for a related grant to cover 50% of a position and that the county would offer opioid settlement funds to cover 50% if the district secures the award.

"This 1, we're eligible up to 5 years of funding. 25% match is required," a department presenter told the board. The request for authorization was made because the grant deadline is imminent; the board moved, seconded and approved that staff proceed with the application. Members noted Whitewater's elevated youth-justice referrals, chronic absenteeism and declines in graduation rates as reasons to prioritize school-based mental-health support.