HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — The Hamilton County School Board approved a proposal Thursday night that will make several school-based mental health services available for students again.
But that vote did not come without some discourse from public speakers and board members.
The move comes after months of debate and concern over student mental health services in Hamilton County.
Earlier this year, the district ended its partnership with Centerstone, leaving many parents, students, and principals worried about gaps in care.
Board members reviewed memorandums of understanding with companies that a selection committee picked to provide a choice of services for students’ parents.
Board members narrowed their selection process to these 5 companies, voting Thursday night for them to be contracted:
CenterstoneELU LLCThe Helen Ross McNabb CenterPsychiatry of TexasThrive Therapies Group
Read more about each company here.
District officials say these agreements could expand the options for providing therapy, counseling, and other mental health support to students directly on school campuses.
Several community members spoke to the board about why having these services is necessary.
“I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I’ve sat on the floor with these kids while they sobbed about wanting to end their life, and I’ve seen the ligature marks around their necks.”
Others urged the board to see beyond their political and personal beliefs.
“You have to be willing to see beyond the blinders that are covering your eyes because these groups are our lifelines.”
“Put the reason you’re here to care for students above your political and religious affiliations. It’s not right to silence what makes you uncomfortable. The uncomfortable enables us to grow.”
Board member Felice Hadden made a motion during the regular session to pull the proposal until the board could more clearly address public concerns.
Hadden also suggested collecting quarterly reports from each of the 5 services to see if they were the best fit for the district.
Board members rejected Hadden’s motion, ultimately voting to approve the proposal as it gives parents several options.
“Parent choice is more important than anything else,” board member Karitsa Jones said.
Hadden says she still wants to get updates from each company, but adds those updates will not include students’ personal information.
Superintendent Doctor Justin Robertson agreed, saying…
“We could figure out a way to get some data in a way that would comply, but we’re gonna need to work with the vendors once they get approved.”
The MOU’s on the agenda note that each vendor requires parental consent before working with students.
The MOU is written so it would take students out of extra-curriculars instead of core-classes.
Another part of the agreement requires all vendors to supply background checks on any employees who work with students.