LVJUSD appeals loss of mental health grant from U.S. Department of Education

The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District’s $5.7 million school-based mental health grant from the U.S. Department of Education is set to end prematurely following this calendar year, spurring the district to appeal the federal agency’s decision.

Since being awarded the five-year, staggered grant in February 2023, LVJUSD has expanded counseling services and mental health supports for its elementary schools, district spokesperson Michelle Dawson told Livermore Vine. The grant has supported the hiring of four elementary counselors and two social workers focused on serving the elementary-level as well as the purchase of social emotional curriculum vetted by the California Department of Education, Dawson said.

Since allocation of the grant was slated to take place over the course of five years, LVJUSD had a tiered plan to hire counselors and social workers, she added. But following the notification of grant non-continuation April 29, LVJUSD has paused the hiring of additional counselors.

Far from alone, LVJUSD is among the many districts across the state slated to lose school-based mental health grant funding. But as the sole district in Alameda County awarded the grant, it is the only one in the county facing its potential withdrawal.

It is not immediately clear why the grant is being slashed and the district has requested that the Department of Education reconsider its decision.

“We are unsure of when to expect a response,” Dawson said of the request. “Should the appeal be denied, there will definitely be more discussion to be had in the future.”

At the latest, the district expects federal officials to reply by December to coincide with the end of grant funding. 

According to the education department’s website, “Decisions will be communicated to grantees individually as soon as possible.”

“State and local entities will have an opportunity to apply for grants that support the mental health needs of students, in alignment with the current Administration’s policies and priorities,” the website states. “Additional information about forthcoming grant competitions will be provided soon.” 

A defunct phone number was provided on the website for outreach regarding the grant program. The department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education did not respond for comment via email as of Tuesday.