SEATTLE — A push to get $20 million in funding approved by Seattle city leaders for student mental health services has failed once again in the City Council Chambers. Instead, just $12.5 million was approved for the programs, and ahead of a new school year, parents hope it will be enough to make an impact.
“Too often we see performative gestures that might make adults feel a bit better but don’t actually address the needs," said Samantha Fogg, who helps lead the Seattle Council PTSA.
Earlier this year, Seattle student advocates were told only half of their $20 million approved last November was even authorized to be spent; $10 million was spent on school counselors, telehealth therapy and youth violence prevention. As for the rest of it, the mayor’s office blamed the council for not creating a clear enough plan for how to spend it.
Fogg has some ideas.
"For example, at our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Pathways Schools, the counselors don't necessarily know ASL,” she said. "If our district is having trouble hiring, that's something that the city could really invest in.”
Meanwhile, the spirit of back-to-school season is underway at the local malls. Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and groups of teens mosied through the Factoria Mall Wednesday to get geared up for another academic year.
Outside Garfield High School in Seattle's Central District, a sophomore who goes by "Santi" said he is looking forward to a new year.
"I mean, I’m pretty excited," said Santi. "The new classes-- and then you meet people that you weren’t really close with the year before."
He also hopes to turn a new page after the school year's sad and scary end in June.
"No, uh, yeah, it was... it was a little scary, yeah," said Santi.
One of his classmates and Garfield athletes, Amarr Murphy-Paine, 17, was shot dead in the Garfield High parking lot. It came amid a slew of violent acts near the campus last semester.
"I guess that last one kinda freaked me out a little bit," said Santi. "Because that kinda could've happened to anybody."
Santi anticipates an emotional new school year for some of his peers.
"I think some people are gonna feel a little nervous," he said.
In regards to mental health, if you need someone to talk to, you can always text, chat, or call 988, a 24/7 lifeline that connects you with caring crisis counselors.
Some Seattle council members voiced their concerns about facing a budget crisis. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s budget proposal for next year is expected to be announced in September.