Addressing Mental Health Needs in Schools
his week I was honored to receive an award from the Wisconsin Association for Marriage and Family Therapy in recognition of legislation I authored to allow schools to directly hire Marriage & Family Therapists (MFTs) to serve the mental health needs of students. MFTs are licensed professionals who are appropriately trained to serve the needs of our students.
Prior to the passage of this new law, schools had to go through a third party in order to hire these professionals as counselors. This created an added burden to schools who are already short-staffed when it comes to providing mental health services to students. Streamlining the hiring process is a creative solution that will provide support to students who need it, in a more efficient manner. I’m grateful to see this bill become law!
Tour of Bay Port High School!
I had the opportunity to tour Bay Port High School in Howard this week, and I was extremely impressed with the quality of programs offered to students. From a student-run greenhouse to engineering programs to their focus on career-readiness, this school is giving students the tools they need to succeed in their post-high school years.
It was great to get a chance to meet the incoming Howard-Suamico School District Superintendent, Mark Smith, and discuss how we can build upon the district’s success moving forward. I’m thankful for the opportunity to have these conversations with leaders like Mark — the work they do has such a positive impact in our community.
Request a Wisconsin Blue Book
You can now request a 2023-24 Wisconsin Blue Book! Blue Books are a fantastic resource to learn about Wisconsin’s government, geography, history, and so much more. And, they’re FREE! If you would like a Blue Book, email my office at Rep.Steffen@legis.
Follow Along on Facebook
Want to hear more about what’s going on in Madison and the district? Follow my Facebook page for weekly updates and to learn more about bills, events, and efforts I’m involved in. Find my Facebook page here: facebook.com/RepSteffen/.
Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
