Commissioners approve expanded school behavioral health program amid community partnerships

Baltimore City Public Schools has taken significant steps to enhance student support and well-being, as highlighted in the recent public board meeting held on June 10, 2025. A key focus of the meeting was the approval of the expanded school behavioral health program, which aims to improve mental health resources and support for students across the district.

The board unanimously approved the program, which is designed to foster a positive school climate and promote student well-being. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the needs of multilingual learners and other vulnerable student populations. During the meeting, officials discussed the various assessments that multilingual learners undergo, including the WIDA Screener and ACCESS assessments, which are crucial for tracking language acquisition and academic progress.

Katia Stokes, the director for student wholeness, presented on the effectiveness of community partnerships that support the behavioral health program. She emphasized the importance of organizations like the Holistic Life Foundation and the Movement Team, which provide essential services such as mindfulness training and mentoring. These partnerships have shown promising results, including a decrease in disciplinary referrals and an increase in student engagement and emotional intelligence.

Stokes noted that 42% of students reported applying mindfulness strategies learned in school to their home lives, demonstrating the program's impact beyond the classroom. Additionally, the Movement Team's involvement with the Department of Juvenile Services has led to improved attendance and graduation rates among participating students.

The board's commitment to expanding behavioral health resources reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in education. As the district continues to implement these programs, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential for positive change in student outcomes and overall school climate. The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing community engagement and feedback to ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives moving forward.