District reviews suicide-prevention plan under RSA 193J; staff outline reporting and re-entry protocols

Brookline school staff presented the district's suicide prevention and response plan during the May 27 meeting, noting the plan follows RSA 193J and is reviewed with the board every two years.

The presenter described the plan's four required elements: annual staff training, student education, crisis prevention resources, and partnerships with community organizations. Staff said training begins at the start of each academic year, that the Vector training (K edition) is used to meet RSA requirements, and that counselors and administrators follow an immediate-response protocol when a student expresses intent to harm themselves or others.

The plan emphasizes that reports of intent should be made in real time (for example, a teacher calls a counselor rather than writing an email) and that the student is not left alone. Parents are notified, and the student must be seen by a licensed mental-health practitioner before returning to school; a re-entry meeting with parents, counselor and administrators then determines supports and follow-up. Post-intervention steps include referrals to Section 504, special-education services or outside practitioners where appropriate.

The board asked whether students have after-hours reporting options and about resources available for off-campus concerns. Staff said the district posts resources on school websites, encourages use of crisis hotlines (including text hotlines and mobile crisis teams such as Greater Nashville Mental Health where used), and reminded the board that in emergencies 911 remains the primary route to connect students to immediate help.

The board will receive this plan again in 2028 as part of the regular review cycle.