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.
In our latest episode of Stepping Stones for Mental Wellness, I spoke with Andrea Landy, Client Services Manager with our Mental Health Division, to explore one of the most pressing topics in education today—school funding for mental health.
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. But as Andrea explained, 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. Andrea highlighted how some states, like Michigan, are leading the way by introducing recurring funding to replace temporary COVID relief programs.
Michigan, for example, offers:
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 Andrea sees in her 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. But Andrea encouraged leaders to stay curious: “Reach out to neighboring districts. Ask who they’re working with. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know.’ That’s the first step to getting the help you need.”
She also noted the importance of building trust with partners. At Stepping Stones, Andrea’s 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, Andrea’s advice is clear:
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.
We’re grateful to Andrea for sharing her expertise and for all the school leaders out there working every day to support their students. If you missed the full conversation, you can listen to the episode on Spotify.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can build systems that support student wellness—now and for the future.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Stepping Stones for Mental Wellness
By Tiffanie Ives Coleman
Host, Stepping Stones for Mental Wellness Podcast