Mental Health: Supporting Student Well-Being

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Student mental health directly impacts learning. When students experience anxiety, depression, or trauma, their ability to engage academically suffers. Conversely, academic struggles, particularly with reading, often lead to mental health challenges. As your School Board member, I’ll advocate for a comprehensive approach that addresses both prevention and intervention.

Understanding the Challenge

MMSD’s students face significant mental health concerns:

  1. Staffing Ratios: Current counselor-to-student ratios (approximately 450:1) far exceed recommended levels (250:1).
  2. Basic Needs: Hunger, inadequate sleep, and stress about basic security create barriers to well-being and learning.
  3. Academic Frustration: Students who struggle with reading often develop anxiety, low self-esteem, and behavioral issues stemming from academic frustration.
  4. Access Barriers: Many families face challenges accessing mental health services, from insurance limitations to transportation issues.

My Approach

As your School Board member, I will:

  1. Support Universal Breakfast: Ensure every student starts the day nourished and ready to learn, eliminating hunger-related stress.
  2. Advocate for Improved Staffing Ratios: Work toward the recommended 250:1 counselor-to-student ratio, particularly in high-need schools.
  3. Connect Literacy and Well-Being: Implement evidence-based reading instruction that reduces academic frustration and associated mental health challenges.
  4. Build Stronger Partnerships: Expand collaboration with community mental health providers to increase access to services.
  5. Create Belonging: Support advisory programs and classroom practices that ensure every student has connection with trusted adults.

Wellness as Foundation for Learning

Mental health support isn’t extra—it’s essential. When students feel safe, connected, and capable, they’re able to engage fully in learning. By addressing both prevention through basic needs and literacy support, while also providing targeted intervention when needed, we create schools where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

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