The Brainerd School Board is in the process of forming a mental health task force aimed at addressing the mental health needs of its students. This initiative was announced following a school board meeting late last month, where the board’s student support services committee discussed the pressing requirement for enhanced mental health resources in Brainerd Public Schools.
The decision to create a mental health task force arises from insights gathered by the board’s equity task force over the past few years. Community members have voiced growing concerns about student mental health, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Anecdotally, we know that post-pandemic, many behavioral and mental health issues have surged,” stated Brainerd School Board Chair Kevin Boyles. “While it may seem that these issues are leveling off, we believe this is not sufficient. We want to return to pre-pandemic levels of mental health and ideally improve upon them.”
School board members and district staff recognize the connection between mental health discussions and the potential impacts of cell phone use, which is another policy area currently under review. “We understand that the use of electronic devices by both young people and adults has increased significantly,” said Brainerd High School Principal Andrea Rusk. “However, we haven’t yet seen evidence that such usage contributes to a healthier lifestyle or positively affects mental and physical well-being.”
The 2022 Minnesota Student Survey revealed troubling statistics: 29% of students reported facing greater mental health struggles than ever since the survey began in 1989, with 28% of 11th graders having contemplated suicide.
“Challenges with enrollment, attendance, and student behavior all stem from these mental health issues,” Boyles noted. “The question remains: where do we begin to tackle such complex problems? Furthermore, what role does the school district play in addressing them?”
The community’s response to the board’s initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. “Several community members have reached out, expressing their commitment to being part of the solution,” Rusk explained. “Our students are also eager to engage with the supports we plan to implement. Collaboration is essential, and we must work together.”
While the Brainerd School Board has not yet set a definitive date for the launch of the mental health task force, members are optimistic that it will be established by winter.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 for support.
Related topics:
