School District transitions to in-house social workers for better student support

During the recent RSU 22 budget meeting held on April 3, 2025, significant discussions centered around the district's social work services, highlighting both challenges and strategic shifts aimed at better supporting students' needs.

The meeting revealed ongoing difficulties in staffing social work positions, particularly at Smith and Wacker, which has been without a clinical social worker since November. Although a candidate was recently identified, they will not be joining the team due to a change in direction regarding the district's contract for social work services. This decision reflects a broader strategy to enhance the effectiveness of social work within the schools.

The district has seen promising results from its two employed social workers, who were introduced last year. These individuals have reportedly integrated well into the school environment and are managing significantly higher caseloads compared to their contracted counterparts from Northern Light Acadia. This increase in capacity is crucial, as the demand for social work services has surged, with current employees reportedly doubling the workload of the contracted staff.

The discussions underscored the district's commitment to adapting its approach to meet the growing needs of students. By focusing on in-house social work resources, RSU 22 aims to provide more responsive and effective support, addressing the mental health and social needs of its student population.

As the district moves forward with this new direction, the implications for student well-being and academic success will be closely monitored. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of these changes, setting the stage for future evaluations of the effectiveness of the new staffing strategy.