MA S369

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 students and educators in public school districts

Grants may fund hiring of school nurses, counselors, adjustment counselors, social workers, psychologists, and education support professionals to meet recommended staffing ratios (e.g., 1 counselor per 250 students, 1 psychologist per 500 students)

Eligible uses include professional development for trauma-sensitive environments, implementing mental health frameworks, developing cell phone/social media policies, and recruitment programs prioritizing underrepresented populations in the educator workforce

Funding distributed per-pupil based on district low-income student population: $150/pupil for districts with 20%+ low-income students, $100/pupil for 10-20%, and $50/pupil for under 10%

Districts must submit allocation plans developed with employee organizations, agree funds will supplement (not supplant) existing funding, and report annually on progress; DESE must report to legislature by October 1 each year