Board approves first-read plan to adopt updated suicide-prevention policy language

At the March 24 policy session, Richmond Community Schools staff presented a significant rewrite of Policy 5350 on student suicide awareness and prevention to align district language with Indiana code. Staff member said counselors had reviewed the draft and "gave no negative feedback," and explained the policy emphasizes that the district acts as a conduit to community mental-health providers (examples cited: Meridian, Community Health, Reid Hospital).

Trustees sought clarity about the phrase "the corporation provides school counseling services to students and families," asking whether that implied direct clinical services. Staff clarified that counselors provide classroom-level prevention education and immediate school-based response, but the district connects families to outside professional providers for ongoing treatment. S2 and other trustees discussed posting resources (Firefly QR codes and website materials) and ensuring building-level administrators know how to route families to supports where counselors are not assigned.

The board signaled support for the rewrite and scheduled the policy for first reading at the board's April meeting.