The Lake Elsinore Unified School District Board of Trustees adopted its first policy focused specifically on student mental health in a 3-2 vote during its June 11 board meeting.
The policy creates a formal set of procedures for staff training, student support and how families are informed about available mental health resources. The policy, BP 5141.5, was adopted in response to state law SB 153, which requires districts serving students in grades 7-12 to adopt specific youth behavioral health protocols and staff training.
“This board policy is meant to outline specific procedures for the district when it comes to student mental health,” said Dr. Tricia Thompson, assistant superintendent of student support services. “Believe it or not, we do not have a specific policy in our entire board policy manual that is specific to student mental health.”
The policy requires staff training on identifying mental health warning signs, responding to crises and connecting students with services. It also includes required LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for certificated employees serving students in grades 7-12 and state-mandated youth behavioral health training.
Under the policy, the district must provide students and families with information about available mental health services at least twice each school year, including how to access support both on and off campus.
The policy also requires schools serving grades 6-12 to display mental health resource posters in areas frequently used by students, including classrooms, hallways, gymnasiums and auditoriums. The posters must include coping strategies and contact information for school and community mental health resources.
Additionally, the policy establishes referral protocols for students with behavioral health concerns and states that schools should use support services and positive behavioral interventions, when appropriate, as alternatives to disciplinary action.
During board discussion, Trustees Jill Leonard and Mike Pacheco raised concerns about a state law provision included in the policy that allows some students ages 12 and older to consent to mental health treatment or counseling if a mental health professional determines they are mature enough to participate. Under state law, parental involvement is generally required unless the professional determines, after consulting with the student, that it would be inappropriate.
“I’ve read through this and read some of the laws and I just have a concern,” Leonard said. “It has nothing to do with the district or the policy. It’s the age.”
“I looked it up too and I was concerned about that as well,” Pacheco said. “It’s a state law and I tried to match it up with what the federal government has, but they refer to the states on this issue.”
Superintendent Ryan Lewis said the provision is a “lobby issue” and that any effort to change state law would need to go through the legislative process. He said such action would fall under the purview of the board, not district staff, whose role is to implement existing law and follow current procedures.
The policy was approved with Leonard and Pacheco voting no. Before casting her vote, Leonard said her opposition was directed at the state law provision, not the mental health policy itself.
“I love our district, I support our district, and I know our district supports parents and these kids,” Leonard said. “But I’m going to say no to hopefully send a message to the state.”
