School districts today have the dual role of educating students while also supporting the mental health needs of an ever-growing student population.
Gov. Josh Shapiro met with students and administrators in the Iroquois School District on Wednesday to hear firsthand about the situation they are facing.
Schools across the state are feeling the strain as they try to keep up with the growing number of students seeking help for mental health issues.
Governor Shapiro spoke to Iroquois staff and students about how the proposed budget can best improve access, delivery and quality of these services.
“The rise of cell phones and social media in 2007 has led to increased isolation for children,” said Shane Murray, superintendent of the Iroquois School District.
“Even though we’re so connected through social media, it still feels like we don’t have anything to say to each other,” said Alexis Contee Windle, a junior at Iroquois High School.
Iroquois School District staff and students have been on the front lines when it comes to mental health in schools, and on Wednesday morning they had the opportunity to share their observations with Gov. Josh Shapiro.
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to speak with the governor because I really think that listening to students is so important to making any progress,” Conti Windle said.
The Governor’s proposed budget includes a $1.1 billion increase to public schools, including $100 million for mental health.
“This will help school districts, especially those that are chronically underfunded, get the funding they need; it will ensure that students are full and able to learn; it will ensure that we can address a number of issues, including our mental health crisis and our infrastructure challenges,” said Governor Shapiro.
If the governor’s spending plan is approved, the Iroquois School District would get a 12 percent increase in state funding and be able to hire two more guidance counselors.
“Schools don’t want to get into the mental health business, but we have to be proactive because there is a lack of services across our community. We can’t accept kids into the classroom if they’re not mentally ready to learn,” Murray said.
The governor’s proposal still needs to be approved by the Republican-controlled Senate, and some opponents have reportedly argued it lacks accountability for student performance.
Cyber charter school advocates oppose the plan because it would put a cap on state tuition for the programs.
