As the special state funding for mental health staff at Michigan public schools during the pandemic draws to a close this year, districts are actively exploring alternative ways to retain these essential professionals. The $240-million grant, which began in 2021, provided crucial support to students as they navigated the challenges of virtual learning, canceled extracurricular activities, and the loss of loved ones due to COVID-19.
Diane Golzynski, deputy superintendent of business, health, and library services for the Michigan Department of Education, highlighted several options available to schools, including the School Mental Health Apprenticeship Program. This initiative aims to encourage individuals to pursue careers in mental health by providing financial support during their supervised practice internships.
“To pay folks who need to do their supervised practice internships in order to go into this field; it’s to give them a small wage, so they can actually do that,” Golzynski explained.
Additionally, districts can apply for Medicaid matching funds for all their eligible work and utilize those dollars to retain mental health providers in schools. Golzynski emphasized that the department’s goal is to develop a comprehensive school mental health system, ensuring that schools have access to the specific professionals they require, such as psychologists, counselors, social workers, or school nurses.
The Michigan Department of Education is also working closely with districts to optimize the utilization of their mental health staff. While some critics may argue that addressing children’s mental health needs falls under the responsibility of parents, Golzynski countered that schools often play a crucial role in identifying and acknowledging these issues.
“It’s the schools partnering with the families to help support this child, so that the child can be the best learner possible,” Golzynski asserted.
Another potential source of funding for school mental health programs is a per-pupil allocation to each district, which is currently under consideration.
As the pandemic continues to impact students’ mental well-being, it is evident that the need for accessible and effective mental health support in schools remains paramount. Michigan schools are proactively seeking innovative solutions to ensure that students have the resources and support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.