APPLETON, WI — Wisconsin schools are set to lose $8 million in federal mental health funding over the next four years, following an announcement from the Trump administration that it will cut $1 billion in grants at the U.S. Department of Education.
The cuts, which come during Mental Health Awareness Month, are expected to have a significant impact on school districts across the state, especially as mental health support remains a growing concern for students. Kaleidoscope Academy in Appleton marked the start of the awareness month by holding a special assembly on Monday to help students understand mental health and develop resilience and positivity.
“At the middle school level, it’s crucial to focus on positive mental health due to the developmental changes students undergo. Social challenges and growth during this time make it a pivotal moment for support,” said Kaleidoscope Academy Principal Alexandra Molitor.
The Department of Education’s decision to cut funding stems from concerns raised by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications Madi Biedermann. In a statement to NPR, Biedermann claimed that some recipients of the mental health grants had used the funds for race-based actions, including recruiting quotas, which were seen as unrelated to mental health initiatives and potentially harmful to students.
“The focus should be on evidence-based practices that improve students’ mental health, rather than policies that detract from this goal,” Biedermann stated.
While the full impact of the funding cuts remains unclear, local school districts are already feeling the strain. In Appleton, the Appleton Area School District expressed concern that the loss of funding would affect their ability to attract and retain mental health professionals, thereby limiting their capacity to support students’ mental health needs.
“We rely on these funds to provide targeted interventions for students, and now we’re faced with the challenge of maintaining these services without the financial support,” said Laura Jackson, Executive Director of Student Services for the Appleton Area School District. “We are hopeful that the state will address these shortfalls in the upcoming biennial budget.”
The loss of funding could also impact other school districts across Wisconsin, as mental health services for students have been an ongoing priority in response to rising concerns about emotional well-being, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting effects on youth.
