The report published in June of 2021 serves as the foundation for the development of a multi-pronged strategic plan.
This study and strategic plan served as the foundation for a Congressional Directive Spending Project in SAMHSA’s FY 2023 Appropriation. Polk Vision was named as a recipient agency in the funding allocation and directed the investment to benefit Polk County Public Schools in support of the Polk County BoCC Behavioral Health Improvement Project.
Specifically, we agreed to work collaboratively over the 2023-2024 school year with a qualified outside consultant, Crescendo Consulting Group, secured by Polk County BoCC to perform a district-wide behavioral health gap analysis of the Polk County Public Schools system, which commenced October 1, 2023, and concluded September 30, 2024.
At the request of Superintendent Heid and in direct response to the recommendations found in the 2024 PCPS Behavioral Health Gap Analysis, Polk Vision, in partnership with the Polk County School District and the Health and Human Services Division of the Board of County Commissioners, successfully launched the Polk County Public Schools Behavioral and Mental Health Collaborative Council. This collaborative initiative is designed to unite key stakeholders in identifying and implementing innovative solutions to improve student mental and behavioral health outcomes, both in the short term and long term.
The Collaborative Council officially convened in Spring 2025, with a primary focus on developing actionable strategies that can directly impact the well-being of students. During this launch meeting, three subcommittees were established, each tasked with addressing a specific aspect of student mental health.
- Behavioral Health Support & Integration – This subcommittee focuses on fostering integration and accessibility of behavioral health services for students. Members include:
- Data, Communication & Capacity – This subcommittee is dedicated to enhancing data-sharing systems, improving communication between stakeholders, and building the capacity of the school district and community organizations to address student behavioral health needs. Members include:
- Prevention & Student Well-Being – This subcommittee is focused on proactive strategies for preventing behavioral health issues and promoting overall student well-being.
Subcommittee Activities
Throughout the 2025 – 2026 SCHOOL YEAR, these subcommittees have held monthly meetings to advance the mission of improving student mental and behavioral health services. Their work is centered on developing practical solutions, sharing best practices, and aligning resources across organizations to ensure that the school district’s goals are met.
