Oklahoma Schools To Receive Millions Of Dollars For Student Mental Health Purposes

Schools districts across Oklahoma are getting a boost in support for student mental health.

Nearly $36 million in federal relief money will provide more school counselors and other mental health professionals.

State superintendent Joy Hofmeister said mental health funding for schools is a critical investment.

“One of the reasons that we have prioritized a school counselor corps is that we know all of our children are coming with something they need to overcome from the last school year,” Hofmeister said.

In a statement, Hofmeister said some schools in the state have never had a school counselor but will be able to hire one now. 

More than 180 school districts statewide (181) are awarded funding that will support these new positions through spring of 2024. 

Oklahoma City Public Schools was awarded $1.3 million, one of the largest grants in the state. 

The funding is part of a larger Oklahoma State Department of Education plan to support schools as it determines the best way to use federal relief money.