Chattanooga, September 3, 2025
News Summary
In a narrow 6-5 vote, the Hamilton County School Board has decided to terminate its partnership with Centerstone, impacting in-school mental health services for 2,500 students. This decision, met with strong opposition from parents and students, raises concerns about access to vital mental health support amid rising local suicide rates. Centerstone plans to offer telehealth services to continue supporting mental health outside of schools, but accessibility issues may arise for many families. The community is gearing up to express their concerns at the upcoming school board meeting.
Chattanooga – The Hamilton County School Board has voted 6–5 to terminate a decade-long partnership with Centerstone, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health services to students. This decision will impact the in-school counseling services that Centerstone supplied to approximately 2,500 students annually at no cost to the school system.
The board’s vote largely fell along party lines and has been met with significant opposition from parents and students who fear the loss of essential mental health services will detrimentally affect students’ well-being and academic success. Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the qualifications and ideologies of Centerstone’s counselors, prompting some board members to seek alternative routes for student mental health support.
Daniel Mansfield, Centerstone’s regional coordinator, cautioned that the elimination of in-school services could adversely impact students’ mental health and educational outcomes. This is of particular concern given the context that Hamilton County has experienced a rise in suicide rates statewide, making access to mental health support increasingly critical.
Emerging voices from the community include parents who have expressed distress over the decision. One parent, whose daughter had been utilizing Centerstone’s services, characterized the board’s actions as shocking, voicing apprehension over her daughter’s emotional support system as a result of losing her counselor. Freshman Charlie Minamyer from Ooltewah High School described the school board’s decision as devastating and confusing for her daughter, emphasizing the immediate emotional turmoil it could create for students accustomed to having in-school counseling.
Despite the disbandment of the partnership, Centerstone plans to continue offering mental health services outside of schools through telehealth appointments and expanded clinic hours. This may help mitigate the disruption but raises questions about accessibility for families who may have difficulty securing transportation to appointments or affording outside services.
Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson reaffirmed the district’s commitment to student well-being, assuring that the school board will seek sustainable approaches for providing necessary resources even after the termination of the partnership with Centerstone.
The decision has prompted criticism from various board members and parents alike, some of whom are worried that students’ access to mental health care may be hindered further by this abrupt change. The school board’s decision comes as the community gears up for an emotional reaction at the next school board meeting scheduled for September 18, where many parents plan to voice their concerns.
A noteworthy point in discussions surrounding this decision is the history of the partnership with Centerstone, which has remained without significant issues for the past decade. Opposition board member Jodi Schaffer expressed her reservations about the vetting process for Centerstone counselors and was particularly troubled by content available on the organization’s website, suggesting ideological conflicts.
Another board member, Commissioner David Sharpe, criticized the decision, emphasizing that children’s health should take precedence over political considerations. He highlighted the potential barriers for families lacking the resources necessary for outside care, thereby sacrificing access to vital mental health support during school hours.
Ultimately, the Hamilton County School Board’s recent vote raises important questions regarding the future of mental health support services in schools and the impact such decisions might have on student health and academic performance.
FAQs
What was the Hamilton County School Board’s recent decision regarding Centerstone?
The Hamilton County School Board voted 6-5 to end its partnership with Centerstone, a mental health provider, affecting in-school counseling services for approximately 2,500 students.
How will this decision impact students?
The decision will limit access to in-school mental health services for students, raising concerns about their mental well-being and educational outcomes.
What alternatives will be available for mental health support?
Centerstone plans to continue providing mental health services through telehealth appointments and expanded clinic hours outside of schools.
What concerns have been raised regarding the decision?
Parents and board members have voiced fears that the termination of services could negatively affect students’ emotional support and access to mental health care.
Key Features of the Decision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vote Outcome | 6–5, mostly along party lines |
| Students Affected | Approximately 2,500 students annually |
| Centerstone’s Response | Will provide telehealth appointments and expanded clinic hours |
| Next School Board Meeting | Scheduled for September 18, where concerns will be raised |
| Background | Partnership lasted for a decade without major issues |
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Times Free Press
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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