Members of the Board,
I am submitting this comment to oppose the proposed revisions to the minimum qualifications and experience for the Director, Wellness and Mental Health position.
Based on the accompanying organizational chart, this role is identified as the district’s mental health leadership position. The title itself, Director, Wellness and Mental Health, establishes clear responsibility for leadership, oversight, and accountability of the district’s mental health system.
The responsibilities assigned to this position include oversight of mental health services, prevention and intervention initiatives, compliance with state and federal mental health mandates, and coordination with healthcare providers and state agencies. These are not general administrative functions; they require specialized mental health knowledge, training, and professional preparation.
Despite this, the proposed revisions weaken the minimum qualifications by allowing candidates without a formal mental health background, while making mental health credentials and certification merely preferred. This creates a clear misalignment between the role’s title, its responsibilities, and the qualifications required to perform it effectively.
A Director of Wellness and Mental Health must have the professional expertise necessary to ensure fidelity to evidence based practices, accurately interpret mental health requirements, and provide credible leadership to district and school based mental health professionals. Educational leadership experience may support the role, but it cannot replace foundational mental health training and a relevant graduate degree.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Board to reject the proposed changes to the minimum qualifications and ensure that this position requires a mental health background, training, and degree consistent with its role, responsibilities, and impact on student well being.
Thank you for your consideration.
Melanie Birken