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Jessamine County Board of Education Emphasizes Mental Health Support

Community engagement event at Jessamine County Schools focusing on mental health.

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News Summary

The Jessamine County Board of Education kicked off 2025 with leadership changes, re-electing Steven Scrivner as chair and appointing Bobby Welch as vice-chair. The board focused on enhancing student mental health through new initiatives, community engagement, and a commitment to special education success. Principal Joe Payne highlighted notable community involvement and impressive academic achievements, while mental health training events are set to raise awareness and support for students. With a proactive approach, Jessamine County Schools looks ahead to tackle upcoming challenges.

Jessamine County Board of Education Kicks Off 2025 with Leadership Changes and a Focus on Mental Health

Jessamine County is buzzing with news as the Jessamine County Board of Education recently held its first meeting of 2025, marked by some exciting leadership changes and a strong emphasis on student mental health. The meeting, which included a work session and a special called session, brought together board members, educators, and community stakeholders to tackle pressing issues in the school system.

New Faces and Continued Leadership

In a key development, Steven Scrivner was re-elected as chair of the Board, maintaining his leadership role as they navigate through another year. Alongside him, Bobby Welch has stepped into the position of vice chair for the next two years, promising a collaborative approach to improving the educational landscape in Jessamine County.

A Glimpse into Family Engagement

One of the highlights of the meeting was an inspiring update from Principal Joe Payne of Rosenwald Dunbar Elementary. The school recently hosted a math and literacy night that attracted over 500 attendees, showcasing the community’s commitment to engaging families in their children’s education. Payne also expressed gratitude to Crosswoods Church for its support in providing food bags to students, forging strong community ties during challenging times.

However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Since January 6, the school has faced multiple closures due to treacherous weather and icy roads, underscoring the difficulties of winter conditions on education.

Breaking Records in Special Education

In a remarkable turnaround, special education students at Rosenwald Dunbar have made headlines by outperforming their peers without disabilities in growth on iReady testing. This achievement marks a significant milestone and is a testament to the dedication of the staff and support systems in place.

During the meeting, staffing and the need for salary increases were emphasized by Principal Payne as essential to the school’s future success.

Tours and Insight

Following Principal Payne’s update, the Board took a tour of the school, marveling at the upgrades made to critical facilities such as the library, art classroom, and gym. These improvements showcase a growing commitment to enhancing student learning environments.

Paving the Way for Mental Health Support

Continuing the theme of support, Beth Carpenter, Director of Student Services, presented an insightful overview of the district’s mental health support structure. The approach consists of a three-tiered system: Tier 1 offers universal interventions, Tier 2 includes targeted interventions, and Tier 3 provides intensive support for those in need. Each school is diligently collecting data on student referrals to ensure that every child gets the help they deserve.

The mental health initiatives are heavily reliant on solid partnerships with community organizations, including support from the Kentucky Center for Grieving Children. While these programs are growing, Carpenter acknowledged the lengthy referral process for support could take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours per student.

Be Well Series and Training Events

To further promote awareness, Jessamine County Schools is launching a “Be Well” series aimed at educating parents about their children’s mental health. The series kicks off with the first seminar, called “Digital Defenders”, which will tackle crucial issues such as cyberbullying and online safety, led by Detective Mike Lemon on January 21 at East Jessamine High School.

Additionally, the Jessamine County Health Department recently held a “CODE RED” training event to prepare individuals for mental health crises, encouraging proactive planning and awareness.

Student Advocacy and Future Plans

In a compelling move, a student-athlete from West Jessamine High School, Sarah Johnson, publicly shared her concerns advocating for better mental health support within athletics after experiencing discrimination due to her absences for mental health reasons. This incident sparked conversations regarding the lack of codified mental health policies by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA), leaving it up to local districts to create frameworks for support.

Expressing disappointment, Johnson’s mother highlighted the necessity for more robust mental health systems and accountability within sports. In response, Jessamine County Schools is committed to enhancing collaboration with external mental health resources to provide top-notch support for all students.

With a proactive stance on leadership, family engagement, and mental health, Jessamine County Schools is eagerly stepping into 2025, ready to embrace the challenges ahead!