2 hours ago
Published March 16, 2026 at 5:05 AM EDT
The Rochester City School District leadership revealed plans this month to increase mental health support for students in the next academic year.
This initiative follows recommendations from a district ad hoc mental health committee, led by school board member Isaiah Santiago. The committee was formed in response to the death of a School of the Arts student last spring, who was experiencing a mental health crisis on campus.
At a recent school board meeting, Santiago emphasized that while the recommendations include launching a mental health awareness campaign and providing professional development for staff, involving students in the process is crucial.
“When creating the campaign and planning trainings for students, there is no better source of insight than the young people currently living these experiences,” Santiago said.
Superintendent Eric Rosser stated that the Office of School Culture and Climate, under Director Jessica Nordquist, will lead the implementation of enhanced student wellness supports, backed by additional funding. However, he did not disclose the specific budget allocation for the 2026-27 school year.
“Much of what the committee recommended aligns with best practices to better meet our students’ mental health and wellness needs,” Rosser said.
“This is especially important in our district, where many students face challenges outside of school that require additional support,” he added.
The implementation will occur in phases, beginning with identifying areas of greatest need as observed by district staff.
“For example, if a classroom teacher reports numerous student referrals or suspensions, we will focus professional learning efforts on those individuals,” Rosser explained.
Training for more staff and teachers will expand gradually over several years to build a stronger support system district-wide.
