School leaders across the country are facing a pivotal moment: how to sustain student mental health programs in the wake of dwindling COVID-era funds.
From the expiration of ESSER funds to the complexity of state-level funding streams, Andrea brought practical insight and encouragement for districts trying to do right by their students.
The ESSER Funding Cliff: What You Need to Know
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds have been a crucial support for schools throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Most districts have already committed or exhausted these resources, which are due to sunset fully by January 2025. While multi-year vendor contracts are still providing value in some areas, many schools are pivoting to seek long-term, sustainable solutions.
From Data to Dollars: Aligning Funding with Student Needs
A key message from Andrea: Data drives action, but knowing your funding options is step one.
Before diving into behavioral and screener data, school leaders must first understand what resources are available at the federal, state, and local levels. Some states, like Michigan, are leading the way by introducing recurring funding to replace temporary COVID relief programs.
Michigan, for example, offers:
- 31N: Direct funding for school mental health providers
- 31A: Focused support for at-risk student populations
- 31AA: Assistance for technical coordination and evaluation
- 31G: Universal-level mental wellness supports
This strategic layering allows schools to maintain and expand the programs they built with ESSER funds.
Barriers to Access: Complexity, Confusion, and Communication
One of the most common challenges you may see in your work? Schools simply don’t know what they have access to — or who to ask.
Whether it’s identifying the right person at the district, intermediate school district (ISD), or state level, the system often feels overwhelming. That's why it's important to build trust with partners. At The Stepping Stones Group, our role goes beyond filling staffing gaps — it's about collaborating with schools to create student-centered, sustainable mental health programming.
Advice for Overwhelmed Districts
If your district is feeling overwhelmed by the funding landscape, our advice is clear:
- Ask questions boldly—from other schools, your ISD, or the state.
- Build relationships with education consultants and mental health partners.
- Lean on your community—you’re not in this alone.
And if you’re in a state like Michigan, take full advantage of the infrastructure already in place. Reach out to your ISD or state consultants to discover what’s possible. There’s more support available than you might think.
Closing Thoughts
As schools continue to navigate the post-COVID world, one thing is certain: student mental health cannot be an afterthought. It requires foresight, funding, and a fierce commitment to sustainability.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can build systems that support student wellness—now and for the future.
