Granby Granted Funding For School Mental Health Specialist

GRANBY, CT — A new competitive grant program supporting hiring and retention of school mental health specialists finds Granby included as one of the 72 Connecticut school districts which will share $15 million in grants.

Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker on Thursday announced the release of funding for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. Awarded under the Connecticut State Department of Education’s School Mental Health Specialists Grant program, the grants for each district range from $25,150 to $120,000 in each of the first two years and 70 percent of that amount in the third year.

Granby is earmarked to receive $120,000 in each of the first two years and $84,000 in the third, for a total of $324,000.

The competitive grant program is utilizing funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This is the second of three rounds of grants aimed at increasing the number of mental health workers in schools that are being administered by the state using ARPA funding.

"Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers," Lamont said in a written statement. "Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require."

Russell-Tucker said, "The Connecticut State Department of Education is excited to unveil the new School Mental Health Specialists Grant program, which prioritizes our students’ well-being – a foundational element to student success. This funding will enable schools to hire dedicated school mental health professionals, ensuring students have the vital support they need. With this investment we are building a safer, nurturing environment where students can excel academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Together, let’s forge a stronger, healthier future."