Thousand Oaks, CA — The Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) has confirmed that the federal government is withholding a $5 million grant earmarked for student mental health services, a move the district described as unrelated to program performance and deeply disheartening.
The grant, which has supported CVUSD’s mental health initiatives for several years, funded individual therapy and expanded mental health programs for nearly 1,000 students annually, all provided with parental or guardian consent, according to a district statement issued this week.
“Our dedicated team of trained mental health professionals has consistently provided individual therapy to nearly 1,000 students each year,” the statement read. “The decision to terminate this meaningful grant is unrelated to the performance of our Mental Health Services team.”
District officials emphasized the breadth of services delivered through the program and noted that these will be highlighted in a formal appeal to the funding agency. “By showcasing the impact and reach of these services, we aim to demonstrate the importance of this grant and advocate for its reinstatement,” the district added.
While no specific reason for the termination was cited in the district’s public remarks, the grant’s loss is part of a broader pattern of scrutiny on federally funded mental health and educational equity programs across the country.
In response to the funding cut, CVUSD is actively reviewing its budgets and exploring alternative funding sources to ensure continuity of student support. The goal is to identify how resources might be reallocated to sustain mental health services into the 2025–2026 academic year and beyond.
“The District is greatly disheartened by the decision to rescind crucial funding essential for supporting our students’ mental health and well-being,” the statement concluded. “Despite this setback, the CVUSD stands unwavering in our commitment to the overall well-being and mental health of every student we serve.”
CVUSD’s appeal is expected to include documentation on the effectiveness and community reach of its mental health initiatives. Further developments are anticipated as the district continues efforts to reverse the federal decision.
