The Hamilton County School Board convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting students and the role of social workers in schools. The meeting featured a presentation by Sydney Smith, a school social worker at Ooltewah Elementary School, who emphasized the importance of social and emotional support for students.

Smith highlighted the growing mental health challenges among children, noting that a child struggling emotionally cannot thrive academically. She detailed her role in providing mental health counseling, crisis management, and long-term support for students and their families. Smith shared a poignant story about a student who, after receiving support, expressed a newfound will to live, underscoring the impact of social work on student well-being.

Throughout the school year, Smith reported significant engagement, including 206 behavior interventions and numerous counseling sessions. She also discussed the importance of wrap-around services, which connect families to community resources. For instance, her school partnered with a local church to provide snack packs to students, delivering 846 bags from August to March.

Smith concluded her remarks by advocating for the placement of school social workers in every school, arguing that such investments are crucial for the future of students and the community. Her passionate appeal underscored the vital role of social workers in fostering supportive learning environments.

Following Smith's presentation, other community members, including Mabry Connor and Tuli Van Corlar, were introduced, indicating a continued discussion on various topics affecting the school district. The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment of Hamilton County Schools to address the holistic needs of students and the importance of community support in education.