School Mental Health Staff Face Job Cuts Amid Funding Freeze

Federal Grants Discontinued, Threatening Crucial Student Support

As the new school year approaches, public school districts are grappling with a significant shortage of essential mental health resources, fueled by federal funding cuts. States are raising urgent concerns about the abrupt suspension of grants intended to bolster the ranks of school counselors and social workers.

Rural District Faces Staff Reductions

In a rural northwest Connecticut district, **Andrea Tarsi**, one of 19 mental health professionals serving 6,500 students, fears losing her position. She highlighted the critical role of these staff members, stating, Without that support staff in the building, students are unable to get the mental health services that they need. She further emphasized the safety implications, noting, And when it comes to crises, not having proper staffing in the building is a safety issue for everybody.

Grant Suspension Sparks Controversy

The Trump administration halted millions in mental health grants in April, citing concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Department of Education asserted that some grant recipients allegedly used funds for race-based actions like recruiting quotas. However, **Jonathan Costa**, executive director of Ed Advance, which supports 31 Connecticut school districts, expressed disbelief. We hired the best we could find. And I don’t even know how to say that. I mean, we didn’t hire any counselor of color.

“If you are in a small public school district and they don’t have a full-time counselor or social worker, your only option to get mental health care is to seek help from a private provider, and there are very few of them available.”

—Jonathan Costa, Executive Director of Ed Advance

Nationwide Shortage of Professionals

A comprehensive analysis of Department of Education data reveals a severe nationwide deficit in child mental health professionals. A staggering 47 out of 50 states do not meet recommended counselor-to-student ratios, a situation particularly acute in rural communities. The National School Boards Association reported in 2023 that 98% of school districts reported shortages of school psychologists, and 97% reported shortages of school counselors (National School Boards Association 2023).

Reapplication Process Under Scrutiny

A spokesperson for the Department of Education stated that funding would be subject to recompeting and continuation awards. The administration intends to evaluate applications based on detailed strategies for addressing community-specific mental health needs and pathways for hiring quality professionals. **Costa** confirmed his district will need to reapply, facing competition from other applicants. Sixteen states, including Connecticut, have filed lawsuits against the department over the funding cuts.

Impact on Student Well-being

**Costa** fears that without this grant, all 19 staffers he employed could face layoffs, a predicament echoed by many school districts nationwide. People deal with trauma in their lives, and when that happens, they need someone to talk to. They need support. And I see every day how our adults help these kids in those situations. The disruption in these vital services could leave many students without crucial support during challenging times.