Simi Valley Unified superintendent highlights new mental-health steps and first elementary counselor after public concern

Dr. McCluskey told the Simi Valley Unified Board of Education the district is expanding mental-health supports and collecting more social-emotional data after public commenters raised concerns about student well-being.

“We actually give presentations now at our school sites, how to recognize the signs of depression in your friends,” Dr. McCluskey said, describing a partnership with Panorama Education and local law enforcement to provide training and data to teachers and families. He also announced the district has hired its first-ever elementary counselor.

The remarks followed public comment by Douglas Bamforth, a veteran and community member, who cited county survey figures and urged action. “Percentage of eleventh grade students reporting chronic sadness in the past 12 months. 37 percent,” Bamforth said, and added, “Percentage of eleventh grade students who considered suicide in the past 12 months. That's 20 percent.”

McCluskey said the district began a multi-year initiative last year and is in its second year with Panorama Education to expand presentations, collect more detailed social-emotional data beyond state surveys, and share that information with teachers and parents so staff can intervene earlier. He highlighted prevention and screening efforts already under way at school sites.

The superintendent also updated the board on capital and staffing developments tied to the bond program: seven schools are complete for the current bond phase with four more scheduled this school year, and the district anticipates a higher-than-projected enrollment count when final figures are certified later this week. McCluskey framed staffing choices, including the new elementary counselor, as part of the board's priorities.

Board members did not take new action on additional mental-health funding at the meeting but said they would continue the conversation and review data presented by the district.