Question 4: This November’s election will include two questions that seek funding for initiatives that cannot be funded through the existing Board of Education budget. According to the Full Day K parents group, you will be voting in favor of Full Day K. What is your position on the Mental Health ballot question, and why?
Timothy Alworth: My position on the mental health initiative is one of support- I support the expansion of mental health services in Verona, but it must be effective. In my opinion, an increasing number of children are more stressed, anxious, exhibits signs of depression and school avoidance issues, greater than just five years ago. There are more external distractions, and they need more support. A priority is to solve for those issues, however we also need to be provide enough qualified support. I think providing for expansion of the Child Study Team to handle the increasing number of issues is necessary, and the additional social worker and expanded school psychologist position will be critical in supporting students. By working closely with students and helping them work through these issues, the district may be able to prevent costly out of district placements or classroom disruptions and provide these students with a positive school environment that gives them best chance to succeed. Services would also be provided for all students, this initiative is not just geared to a particular pool of students, so district wide, students’ would be receiving additional support. Another positive is that the additional funds for mental health services at the middle and high school level will allow for reallocation of funds to provide expanded mental health programing at the elementary level.
The second part of the referendum is the use of Effective Student Solutions to administer services for these students. At the September 25th board meeting, representatives from ESS, which is used in a number of neighboring districts, spoke to an increase of grades, decrease in absences and disciplinary issues, as well as success in bringing out of district students back to the district as a result of their services. They stated that the need for out of district placements are almost always avoided through their program. ESS promises to provide an organizational structure and oversight to help our most at risk students that is difficult to establish in a traditional educational setting. Though it comes with a hefty price tag, it may save the district money in the long run by keeping students in district while providing them with the individual care they deserve and the best opportunity to succeed. ESS is a for-profit organization, and while I am concerned with the use of for-profit organizations in the public school, this agreement as presented at the board meeting, includes monthly meetings with administration to provide critical updates on ESS’s progress and results.
I am in support of the mental health initiative- we need to provide support for all students and keep students in district, however we as a district must hold ESS accountable to provide the results that they have advertised, and be willing to make changes if they are underserving the students and district. I feel that these programs are necessary and if properly implemented by ESS could be a great addition to our mental health services in the district.
