bisdlogo3Brownwood ISD recently received news that it was awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Education for the purpose of establishing or expanding counseling programs.  Brownwood ISD was among only 60 recipients out of 600 applicants in 24 states across the country to be awarded the funding.  Only two other school districts in Texas will receive money through the grant that is set to provide Brownwood ISD with $369,183 this year with the possibility of roughly the same amount for two additional years.

“As long as we meet our goals for the grant we’ll get it for two more years,” said Brownwood ISD Superintendent, Dr. Reece Blincoe, adding that they have been working on ways to expand existing programs.  “We’ll be hiring another school psychiatrist, and another counselor, and we’ll be going to certain trainings.  We’ll also be working with Family Services Center, and with Howard Payne University’s counseling department.”  Blincoe continued, “This year we put in a program call “Why Try” and the grant will pick up the cost for that program for future years and we’re excited about that.”

Brownwood ISD will benefit from the grant almost immediately.  “The grant started October 1st,” said Liesa Land, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, noting that one of the goals of the grant is to increase counseling services and decrease disciplinary issues. “It will benefit all campuses kindergarten through sixth grade, and will involve some professional development, parenting skills, and parental involvement.”

According to the ed.gov website, “The new awards will specifically aid schools in hiring qualified mental-health professionals with the goal of expanding the range, availability, quantity and quality of counseling services. Parents of participating students will have input in the design and implementation of counseling services supported by these grants.”

“School counselors are a vital resource for students and educators, and play a key role in creating safe and productive learning environments,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “These funds will help expand those services to help more students lead healthy, happy and successful lives.”

The website also notes that schools providing adequate counseling services show a reduction in disciplinary referrals and an improvement in attendance, academic performance, and the development of social skills.

“This is great for our community, and it’s great for our schools,” said Blincoe.  “We’re going to be able to really get out there and help families and kids.”