The Marion County School Board convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss the implementation of the comprehensive mental health plan mandated by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. This legislation, enacted in 2018 following the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida, requires school districts to establish mental health assistance programs aimed at early detection and support for students' mental health needs.

The meeting featured presentations by Yvette Del Nodal and Amanda Stegman, who detailed the Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) mental health plan. Stegman, serving as the mental health coordinator, emphasized the importance of utilizing state-provided funds to enhance mental health services within schools. The plan is designed to be regularly reviewed and adjusted to meet evolving student needs.

Key components of the mental health plan include five primary goals: increasing access to mental health services, employing a multi-tiered system of support, providing professional development for staff, collaborating with community partners, and engaging families in the mental health process. For the upcoming school year, MCPS plans to hire additional mental health personnel, including one school counselor, five psychologists, and ten social workers, to improve the student-to-provider ratio.

The meeting also highlighted the use of behavior observation tools to identify students needing intervention. These tools help teachers assess students' externalizing and internalizing behaviors, allowing for timely support. The district reported an increase in referrals for mental health assistance, reflecting a growing awareness of student needs.

In addition, the board discussed the importance of training school staff in youth mental health first aid, with MCPS achieving a 97% training rate among employees. This training equips staff to recognize and respond to mental health challenges among students effectively.

The discussion also touched on the rising number of Baker Act incidents, which necessitate careful handling by trained personnel. Board members expressed concerns about the training of School Resource Officers (SROs) in mental health protocols, emphasizing the need for ongoing communication and collaboration with law enforcement to ensure that SROs are adequately prepared to manage crisis situations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing mental health support for students and fostering a collaborative approach among educators, families, and community partners. The board plans to continue monitoring the effectiveness of these initiatives and adapt strategies as necessary to meet the mental health needs of students in Marion County.