Student urges support for school social workers, endorses Antonia Rapani for award

A student told the meeting that school social workers, mental-health therapists and the FIT program homeless liaison are essential to keeping students safe and supported, and urged backing for services school-related employee of the year nominee Antonia Rapani.

The student said those staff "get calls all the time and it's a lot of crises," and argued the personnel play a crucial role teaching "coping skills and resilience" and intervening when students face serious issues. "What motivates me and my staff are the relationships we build with the students," the student added, saying those relationships are the most important factor in helping pupils succeed.

The speaker emphasized that when students feel safe and have basic needs met they are more likely to do well in school, framing social-emotional supports as linked to academic outcomes. The comment highlighted the FIT program's homeless liaison among the staff that responds to crises and provides support to students experiencing housing instability.

The transcript does not record any formal action, vote or response to the nomination in this meeting record.