Newington board hears annual report on in-school mental health program; clinicians cite improved attendance, discipline and grades

The Newington Board of Education heard an annual report Sept. 10 from Effective School Solutions, the contracted provider delivering in-school, tier-3 mental health services at the high school and both middle schools. ESS presenters said program data from the last school year showed improvements in academic and behavioral metrics for students in the program and described growing demand that the district is monitoring.

ESS clinicians told the board that students in the program receive an average of five services per week — above the company benchmark of three — and that, across categories tracked (GPA, attendance and discipline), 66 percent to 96 percent of students either improved or maintained outcomes depending on the category and service tier. ESS representatives also highlighted a 60% opt-in rate for the program’s billing initiative and said state-level attention and visits from lawmakers and behavioral-health councils had elevated support for expansion.

Program leaders framed the work as intensive, supplemental services for students whose needs exceed what is typically available in schools. “We provide tier‑3 clinical services in an alternate setting for students with persistent difficulties during the school day,” ESS presenter Kate Spring said. She described the program’s mix of individual therapy, group work, crisis management and academic supports and said PRN crisis sessions and collateral contacts (phone calls with families and outside providers) were frequent. ESS reported about 600 PRN visits during the year.

The presentation included outcome details: for students classified in the intervention category (GPA below 2.0 at intake) 96 percent maintained or improved GPA; for attendance intervention cases (five or more unexcused absences at baseline) 94 percent improved or maintained attendance; for discipline intervention cases (at least one disciplinary incident at baseline) 94 percent improved or maintained disciplinary records. ESS also shared parent-survey responses and clinical vignettes describing student progress.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the number of students at each middle school and how the district would respond if caseloads reached capacity. ESS presenters said clinicians ideally carry up to 10 students each and that the program had prevented 13 students from being outplaced last year — a figure ESS estimated represented roughly $1.3 million in avoided placement costs. Marilena Giulioso, the district’s director of special services, joined ESS in noting the services are provided in addition to supports students might already receive through IEPs, 504 plans or outside therapy.

Board members praised the program’s results and raised implementation questions. “That level of response for crisis visits is outstanding,” Board Member Mary Beaker said. Several board members asked about expansion to elementary schools, and ESS staff said some districts staff elementary coverage by assigning one clinician to multiple buildings and prioritizing sites with greater need. ESS presenters said they are building census at the middle schools now that a large middle‑school cohort graduated to the high school.

The board did not take formal action on the ESS report; presenters said they would continue to provide updates and that the program is coordinating with district staff on step‑down plans, professional development and linking families with outside providers as needed.

A copy of the ESS presentation and the program’s data charts were included in the meeting packet; board members requested continued reporting on caseload, capacity and outcomes in future packets.