New London students urge board to make wellness interventionists permanent amid mental‑health push

Dozens of New London students told the New London Board of Education on March 25 that wellness interventionists provide essential, day‑to‑day mental‑health support and urged the board to fund the positions permanently. "The wellness interventionists teach students how to manage stress, build self‑esteem and navigate social dynamics," said Francesca Bazil, a senior at New London High School, addressing the board during public comment.

Students gave multiple examples of how interventionists changed school climate. "Before these positions, student mental health was not prioritized and altercations happened daily," said McKaylie Francis, a New London High School student, who added that the staff de‑escalate conflicts and provide timely support. Jadelise Garrett told the board that district indicators between 2022–23 and 2023–24 have shown reduced suspensions and referrals and improved attendance after interventionist work, although she did not provide specific numbers.

The testimony came on the same night the board received an update on district mental‑health supports from Erin McGuire, Assistant Director of Mental Health, who reviewed district goals, tiered counseling supports, staff training (including STRONG training), trauma‑informed practices and monitoring systems such as the SHAPE survey and DESSA‑mini. McGuire’s presentation noted partnerships and staff supports intended to scale social‑emotional learning across schools; a full copy of the report is available on request.

Board members thanked the students for speaking. "I continue to be inspired by them and their willingness to speak," said board member Nathan Caron. Chair Elaine Maynard‑Adams asked administration to provide the board with job descriptions for the wellness interventionists and behavior motivators so members can review the positions before budget presentations to the City Council on April 17.

Students and parents urged the board to move beyond short‑term grant reliance. "Finding grants is great for the short term, but will land the district into the same position again," said Francesca Bazil. Students said wellness interventionists fill a different role than school counselors by providing same‑day support and conflict mediation when counselors are unavailable.

The board took no new budget vote that night; members directed staff to provide the requested job descriptions and said the board will include the item in upcoming budget deliberations. The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.