New Kent schools detail mental-health supports, say about 1,200 students received services

Superintendent Dr. Brian Nichols and division staff presented the school district's school-based mental-health and wellness efforts at the March 3 board meeting, describing a multi-tiered system of classroom supports, counselor small groups and intensive student support specialists.

Ms. Anderson, who outlined staff-facing programs, said the district's Anthem employee assistance program is "free for everyone," offering "3 free visits per life issue" and additional anonymous online resources for employees and their families. She listed ancillary supports including crisis counseling, legal and financial counseling, dependent-care resources and an employee wellness program that offers lower insurance premiums for participation.

On the student side, Mr. Ross described a division-level team formed under a state grant that is now in its third year of a six-year award. The team hired two student support specialists, contracted virtual psychologists early on, and added in-school therapeutic day-treatment slots for uninsured or underinsured students. Presenters said counselors use a tracking tool (SCADA) to measure time spent on direct services and that student-support caseloads typically run "20 to 40 at a time." They told the board that approximately 1,200 students had received some form of support this year across tiers.

Board members questioned where classroom-level lessons end and clinical interventions begin. Presenters described tier 1 as universal classroom practices and conflict-resolution lessons; tier 2 as counselor-led small groups (for grief or anxiety, for example); and tier 3 as one-on-one supports provided by student support specialists or by therapeutic day treatment when needs exceed in-house capacity. Staff emphasized parental notification and involvement once students are moved beyond tier 1.

The division also highlighted partnerships with community providers (including local mental-health district partners and faith-based organizations), data-collection work to measure impact, and retention bonuses and professional-development support for school-based mental-health staff. Board members asked staff to post resource information more visibly in schools so students can find help without stigma.

The board did not take formal action on new mental-health policy at the meeting; staff framed the presentation as an update and invited follow-up at a work session.