MN SF449

Department of Education must employ two lead positions: one focused on student mental health needs and one focused on teacher and school staff mental health needs.

Leads must assist schools in assessing and improving comprehensive mental health systems, including developing improvement plans and implementing evidence-based resources and practices.

Leads must establish a clearinghouse providing information and resources to school districts, charter schools, teachers, staff, and families on mental health support services.

Leads must work with schools to improve mental health infrastructure by developing guidance on quality systems, evidence-based strategies, suicide prevention approaches, trauma-informed practices, and coordinating resources across state agencies including the Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and Department of Health.

Appropriation from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 with specific amounts to be determined, and a base amount established for fiscal year 2026 and thereafter; effective date July 1, 2023.