Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Brent Jones have announced a substantial new investment aimed at enhancing student safety and mental health support for the 2024-2025 school year. The initiative involves a $14.55 million investment, with $12.25 million from the City of Seattle and $2.3 million from Seattle Public Schools.
This investment will be used to bolster mental health resources, improve school security, increase school staffing, and expand violence prevention and intervention services through community-based organizations. It builds on the City’s annual $36.9 million investment in violence interruption, youth enrichment programs, and community-based services.
Key Aspects of the Strategy:
School-Based Measures: The city and SPS will implement focused interventions at 11 high schools and middle schools with high rates of violence. These schools include Rainier Beach, Garfield, Chief Sealth International, Franklin, and Ingraham High Schools, and Aki Kurose, Washington, Denny, Mercer, Robert Eagle Staff, and Meany Middle Schools.
Mental Health Support: The city is allocating:
$5.6 million to hire additional mental health counselors and care coordinators in 21 school-based health centers. This funding will support 42 new positions to provide in-person and referral-based mental health services.
$2.4 million to expand telehealth therapy services for over 2,000 students, addressing key challenges such as provider diversity and accessibility.
Community-Based Interventions:
$4.25 million will be directed towards community-based partners to offer violence intervention specialists, safe passage programs, and case management services. These initiatives will be implemented in the 11 focus schools to provide immediate safety interventions, support students impacted by violence, and help families navigate available resources.
Family Resource Fund: A new Family Resource Fund will offer flexible financial support to students and families at high risk of gun violence, aiding those participating in case management.
Mayor Harrell emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “Students and young people need to feel safe to learn and grow. This comprehensive set of programs will support the safety and well-being of our youth and community. Our efforts are informed by best practices and community input, ensuring effective collaboration across governments, schools, and community partners.”
Superintendent Brent Jones echoed the commitment to student safety and support, noting, “This sustained support has the power to protect and transform the lives of our students today and for years to come.”
The new investments aim to create a safer, more supportive environment for Seattle’s students, enhancing both their educational experience and overall well-being.
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