District redefines mental health therapist role to better support students with disabilities

The Pacific Grove Unified School District (PGUSD) Board convened on April 4, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the mental health support services available to students. A key focus of the meeting was the approval of a new job description for itinerant mental health therapists, aimed at enhancing support for students with disabilities.

Chief Human Resources Officer Buck Rogeman presented the revised job description, highlighting that the restructuring of the mental health therapist position is designed to better serve students with disabilities alongside general education students. This initiative follows the district's previous funding for mental health services, which was initially supported by federal and state COVID relief funds. As those funds expired, the district absorbed the costs into its general fund, prompting a reevaluation of how to sustain these essential services.

The board discussed funding strategies, noting that two of the mental health therapist positions would be permanent, while a third would be temporary for the 2025-2026 school year. This temporary position could potentially become permanent in the following years, depending on budget adjustments. The new job description includes specific responsibilities for addressing the mental health needs of students with disabilities, which has raised concerns among board members about the potential impact on services for general education students.

Trustee Jasheem Haas emphasized the importance of involving parents in mental health discussions, suggesting that the adult education program could play a role in educating families about mental health issues. Another trustee raised concerns about the time-consuming nature of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, questioning whether the mental health therapists would have sufficient time to address the needs of all students effectively.

In response, Rogeman assured the board that the mental health therapists would not be solely responsible for managing IEPs but would contribute to the process by focusing on the mental health aspects of students' needs. He emphasized a coordinated approach to mental health services, involving counselors and other staff to ensure comprehensive support for all students.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving mental health services, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of mental well-being in education. As the board moves forward with these changes, the community can expect enhanced support for students, particularly those with disabilities, while also addressing the broader mental health needs of the entire student body.