Murrysville School District expands mental health support through University of Pittsburgh grant
May 13, 2025 | Franklin Regional SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Franklin Regional School District's recent meeting on May 13, 2025, highlighted significant developments in school safety and mental health initiatives, driven by a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. This funding aims to enhance the district's capacity to support students through the hiring of social workers and behavioral health professionals, addressing critical needs in mental health and safety.
A key focus of the meeting was the role of MAPS liaisons, who work closely with the district to implement various support programs. These liaisons have been instrumental in conducting wellness events, truancy strategies, and crisis response efforts. They also facilitate counseling services for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and run groups addressing issues such as vaping cessation and social skills development. The district reported that these initiatives have positively engaged hundreds of students and families, fostering a supportive community environment.
Despite the success of these programs, concerns were raised about the lack of formal research and data collection regarding their effectiveness. While the district manages the liaisons and oversees their activities, the absence of comprehensive data makes it challenging to measure the direct impact of these initiatives on student outcomes, such as truancy rates. The district plans to provide updates on truancy data in an upcoming report, acknowledging that various factors contribute to these rates.
In addition to mental health initiatives, the meeting addressed staffing challenges within the transportation department. The district is currently facing a shortage of bus drivers, a situation that reflects a broader statewide issue. Efforts to recruit drivers include advertising and offering incentives, but the district remains reliant on a limited pool of staff to meet daily transportation needs.
Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing student support services while navigating challenges in staffing and data collection. As the school year progresses, the district aims to continue refining its programs and addressing the evolving needs of its students and families.
A key focus of the meeting was the role of MAPS liaisons, who work closely with the district to implement various support programs. These liaisons have been instrumental in conducting wellness events, truancy strategies, and crisis response efforts. They also facilitate counseling services for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and run groups addressing issues such as vaping cessation and social skills development. The district reported that these initiatives have positively engaged hundreds of students and families, fostering a supportive community environment.
Despite the success of these programs, concerns were raised about the lack of formal research and data collection regarding their effectiveness. While the district manages the liaisons and oversees their activities, the absence of comprehensive data makes it challenging to measure the direct impact of these initiatives on student outcomes, such as truancy rates. The district plans to provide updates on truancy data in an upcoming report, acknowledging that various factors contribute to these rates.
In addition to mental health initiatives, the meeting addressed staffing challenges within the transportation department. The district is currently facing a shortage of bus drivers, a situation that reflects a broader statewide issue. Efforts to recruit drivers include advertising and offering incentives, but the district remains reliant on a limited pool of staff to meet daily transportation needs.
Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing student support services while navigating challenges in staffing and data collection. As the school year progresses, the district aims to continue refining its programs and addressing the evolving needs of its students and families.
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