For the City Times

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction distributed funding to schools from numerous programs, totaling $1.8 billion, with an additional $144 million distributed during the week prior. Among the payments are the first from a new state program supporting mental health services in schools.

“This new mental health support is an example of what we can accomplish for our students when we work together,” State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor said. “Our students and educators feel the tremendous need for mental health services in our schools. Now, our commitment to addressing this challenge moves one more step forward.”

Aid for School Mental Health Programs was created in the 2017-19 state biennial budget in response to the large, unmet need throughout Wisconsin. In total, $3 million is helping 89 public school districts, independent public charter schools, and private choice schools expand mental health services offered by school social workers.

 The department sent payments to schools in major state funding programs, including Career and Technical Education Incentive Grants, General School Aids – State Equalization Aid, Special Adjustment Aid, Special Transfer Aids, High Cost Transportation Aid, High Cost Special Education Aid, Personal Electronic Computing Device Grants, Special Education Transition Incentive Grants, and Supplemental Special Education Aid.

Local schools receiving funds, include:  Mental Heath Aid – Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, and Assumption Catholic; High Cost Pupil Transportation Aid – Auburndale, Colby, Greenwood, Nekoosa, Pittsville, and Stratford; High Cost Special Education Aid – Auburndale, Greenwood, Marshfield, and Nekoosa; and Special Education Transition Incentive Grant – Auburndale, Catholic Columbus, Colby, Greenwood, Marshfield, Neillsville, Nekoosa, Pittsville, Spencer, Stratford, and Wisconsin Rapids.