SCSD Plans to Allocate Federal Aid Money to Mental Health SCSD Plans To Allocate Federal Aid Money to Mental Health

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)– Today the Syracuse City School District is looking into the responses to its survey regarding the $109 million federal aid to the district. Administrators say they are overwhelmed by the over 1,500 responses they have received so far. A major focus will be recovering from the pandemic, specifically the mental and emotional health of students.

One parent, Samantha Pierce, posted her response on Facebook in order to encourage others to participate. She advocates for the mental health of students, especially special needs students like her son.

“The stress from the top rolls all the way down,” Pierce said. “So need to address all of these things at every single level in the district.”

SCSD Assistant Director of Budget Lauryn Laborde says the district wants to allocate money towards mental health.

“We’re focusing a lot of efforts into social and emotional learning and mental health,” Laborde said. “Also bringing in a culturally responsive piece of that so all of our students are represented in the materials and learning that they’re doing.”

Administrators expect even more responses to the survey leading up to the deadline on Friday, June 25.

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