Conroe ISD Awarded $1M for Student Mental Health

**Conroe ISD Ramps Up Student Mental Health Support with $1 Million TEA Grant**

**CONROE, TX –** Conroe Independent School District is set to significantly expand its mental health services for students across the district, thanks to a substantial $1 million School Action Fund (SAF) mental health grant from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the 2023-2024 school year. The district’s Board of Trustees formally approved the acceptance of these vital funds on October 17, 2023, marking a major step in addressing the escalating mental wellness needs of students, particularly those amplified since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The comprehensive initiative aims to create a more resilient and supportive network for student well-being, focusing on increased direct services, robust staff training, and enhanced community partnerships.

A significant portion of the grant funding is earmarked for expanding Conroe ISD’s team of licensed mental health professionals. The district plans to hire additional Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) to provide direct, on-campus support, prioritizing campuses identified as having the highest student need. This expansion will allow for more individualized counseling, crisis intervention, and long-term support services directly within the school environment.

“The well-being of our students is paramount, and this $1 million grant from the TEA is a game-changer for Conroe ISD,” stated Dr. Amy Smith, Conroe ISD Superintendent. “The increased mental health needs we’ve observed in recent years underscore the urgency of providing accessible, high-quality support. This funding allows us to not only grow our team of dedicated professionals but also empower our entire school community to better identify and respond to students in distress.”

Beyond direct services, the grant will facilitate extensive staff training programs designed to equip educators and support staff with essential skills. Key programs include QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training, which teaches participants how to recognize warning signs of suicide, offer hope, and refer individuals to appropriate help. Additionally, Youth Mental Health First Aid training will be implemented, enabling adults to provide initial help to young people experiencing mental health challenges or crises.

“Investing in our staff through programs like QPR and Youth Mental Health First Aid means we’re building a wider net of support for our students,” said Elizabeth Jones, Conroe ISD Director of Student Support Services. “Every adult on a campus can play a role in fostering a caring environment, and these trainings give them the tools and confidence to act when a student needs help.”

The district is also committed to integrating restorative practices into its school environments. This approach focuses on building positive relationships, resolving conflicts constructively, and fostering a sense of community and belonging, which are critical components of a healthy mental wellness strategy.

Enhancing existing partnerships is another cornerstone of the grant’s strategy. Conroe ISD will strengthen its collaborations with local organizations such as the Montgomery County Coalition of Health, ensuring students and families have clear pathways to external resources. Furthermore, the grant will expand access to the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, connecting students with specialists for telebehavioral health services, thereby overcoming potential barriers to access such as transportation or appointment availability.

The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) is serving as the fiscal agent for this grant, providing administrative and financial oversight to ensure the funds are utilized effectively and in compliance with TEA guidelines.

“This grant represents a truly comprehensive approach to student mental health,” added Robert Peterson, President of the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees. “From expanding our professional team to training our educators and leveraging community partnerships, we are building a more resilient, supportive, and understanding environment where every student can thrive emotionally and academically.”

Conroe ISD anticipates these initiatives will significantly bolster the district’s capacity to address the complex mental health needs of its student population, fostering an educational setting where well-being is prioritized alongside academic achievement.