FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Shelton Public Schools Awarded Grant Money to Improve Student Mental Health Services

August 4, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2023

Media Contact:

Laura Parete

860-874-5182

Shelton Public Schools Awarded Grant Money to Improve Student Mental Health Services

HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford), State Representative Ben McGorty (R-122), and State Representative Jason Perillo (R-113) commend the State of Connecticut and the Connecticut Department of Education for awarding School Mental Health Specialist Grants to 72 districts across Connecticut. Shelton Public Schools is one of the recipients of the grant, which provides funding to increase the number of mental health workers in schools.

Shelton Public Schools is slated to receive a total of $236,009.70 over the course of three years, with the funding allocated as follows:

2024 – $87,411
2025 – $87,411
2026 – $61,187.70

Sen. Kelly said, “All of Connecticut’s children deserve quality mental health care. By having more mental health specialists and a support system available in our schools, students will have improved access to the services they need during difficult times. Students cannot focus on education or other areas of their life if their basic mental and emotional needs are not being met. I’m happy to see this positive step in addressing the pressing and ongoing need for mental health support in our education system.”

Rep. McGorty said, “I am pleased that our schools will now be better equipped to treat students’ mental health with specialized care. Experiences with remote learning and instruction highlighted a growing concern of students’ mental health and it is a great step that we are making a targeted effort to improve how it is handled in our schools.”

Rep. Jason Perillo said, “I’m grateful to see the prioritization of mental health for all residents, especially our youth. These resources will be critical for supporting students as they navigate social and educational pressures that even affect my own children. Thank you to all our educators, administrators, and behavioral health workers for their dedication to bringing quality education to Shelton’s youth, and I am excited to see the positive impact of these grants!”

The competitive grant program utilizes funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This is the second of three rounds of grants aimed at increasing the number of mental health workers in schools that are being administered by the state using ARPA funding.

To learn more about Sen. Kelly, please visit www.SenatorKevinKelly.com.

*Sen. Kelly represents the 21st District of Stratford, Shelton, Seymour, and Monroe.

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