MA H544

Establishes the Whole Child Grant Program Fund administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of public school students and educators

Eligible uses include hiring school nurses, counselors, adjustment counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other support personnel to meet recommended staffing ratios (e.g., 1 counselor per 250 students, 1 psychologist per 500 students)

Funds may also support trauma-sensitive professional development, cell phone/social media policies, mental health framework implementation, and recruitment/retention programs prioritizing underrepresented populations

Per-pupil funding formula based on district low-income student percentages: $150 per pupil (20%+ low-income), $100 per pupil (10-20% low-income), $50 per pupil (under 10% low-income)

Districts must submit allocation plans developed with employee unions, agree funds will supplement (not supplant) existing funding, and report annually on progress to receive renewed grants