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Grant Boosts Duval County Mental Health Staff
10 May
Summary
- Duval County Schools received a $4.8 million federal grant.
- Grant aims to increase school psychologists to address shortages.
- Funding supports recruitment, retention, and training initiatives.
Duval County Public Schools has successfully obtained a $4.8 million Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grant. This substantial funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, will be implemented over a four-year period.
The primary objective of this grant is to significantly expand the district's school psychologist workforce. Currently, Duval County Public Schools faces a deficit, with 10 vacancies out of 60 established positions, limiting the comprehensive services available to students.
The grant will facilitate the creation of six new lead school psychologist roles and four additional school psychologist positions. It will also double paid internship opportunities, offering stipends and reimbursement for advanced training and doctoral studies.
This initiative aims to lower student-to-school psychologist ratios, improve support in rural and high-need areas, and enhance mental health and crisis intervention services for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
