In a contentious clash of values and viewpoints, the Grossmont Union High School District’s school board has stood firm in its decision to switch mental health providers for its students.
For decades, the East County district had a longstanding contract with San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) to supply licensed therapists and various programs to its 17 campuses.
However, two weeks ago, the school board, driven by community concerns, opted to terminate this contract. A majority of board members sided with community members who had voiced objections to certain mental health programs provided by SDYS, including those related to gender-affirming and LGBTQ+ support.
Susan Powell, a parent who addressed the school board during the meeting, expressed her reservations about SDYS, stating, “They are beholden to creepy agendas and things we don’t want in our schools. I do recommend looking into other health services for our kids. It’s important but what they’re pushing at SDYS is not what we want in our schools.”
Kristen LoPrell, a math teacher within the district, made a counterargument to the board, emphasizing the importance of mental health services, particularly for LGBTQ+ students. She stated, “Please keep San Diego Youth Services so our kids don’t commit suicide. Our LGBTQ youth think about it 4 times more than our straight children.”
San Diego Youth Services, as required by state law, provides mental health treatment for all communities, including gender-affirming and LGBTQ+-inclusive services. Steven Jella, the chief program officer and a licensed psychologist at SDYS, emphasized their commitment to providing culturally, linguistically, and gender-affirming services. He stated, “How do we continue to provide services to young people and their families in the communities of their choice in cultural, linguistic as well as gender-affirming LGBTQ ways to get them on their paths to full potential?”
In a special meeting convened on Wednesday evening, the school board considered additional public comments but ultimately upheld its previous decision to terminate the longstanding contract with SDYS.
Since the school year began a couple of weeks ago, the Grossmont Union High School District has operated without a designated mental health provider for its students, although school counselors remain available. The transition to the new provider, a company called Wellness Together, may take up to two months.
It’s worth noting that the new provider is mandated to comply with the same state laws requiring inclusive and equitable mental health treatment.
In a written statement provided by Collin McGlashen, the executive director of communications for the district, he affirmed the district’s commitment to mental health support for all students, including LGBTQIA+ students and staff. The statement read in part: “The District has a moral obligation to provide a safe, equitable, and high-quality education for all students that includes every single one of our LGBTQIA+ students and staff members.”
Jella expressed his hope that such commitments would indeed be upheld, emphasizing the need to destigmatize mental health services and ensure accessibility for all who require them. He concluded, “Let’s destigmatize services. Let’s get services to all the people who need it when they need it. Let’s break down barriers together.”
