Seattle sees slight student mental health improvement after $4.5M investment
(The Center Square) – A presentation by the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning indicates slight improvements in youth mental health following an infusion of millions of dollars to student services.
Since 2021, the city has allocated $4.5 million for the expansion of student mental health services. The funding is a response to an alarming increase in the rate of youth depression.
According to data showcased by the city, the percentage of eighth- and 10th-graders experiencing depressive feelings in King County spiked at 35% in 2021. It’s notable that the data was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns of schools and many other areas valuable to youth.
Results from a Washington State Department of Social and Health Services survey found that the percentage of eighth- and 10th-graders experiencing depressive feelings in 2023 dropped below 25%.
Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning Director Dwane Chappelle said the city’s investments are already reducing disciplinary actions in schools, but noted there is more work to be done.
“Despite these improvements, one in five youth still experience depressive feelings and this is something we seek to address,” Chappelle said in a Libraries, Education & Neighborhoods Committee meeting on Thursday.
The funding is currently being utilized at seven public schools in Seattle.
The Seattle Student Mental Health Supports pilot program is funded by both the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy and the General Fund.
The Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy is a seven-year levy totaling $619 million focused on Seattle’s youth. It was approved by voters in November 2018. It has a rate of $0.37 per $1,000 of assessed value. The median Seattle homeowner is estimated to pay approximately $327 this year towards the levy.
The city’s youth could soon see even more funding for mental health services. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently revealed his intention to propose a funding allocation of up to $10 million for 2024 to begin delivering resources to support mental health and school safety.
This announcement came after a Garfield High School student was killed on school property last month.
