For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – Governor Tony Evers announced on Wednesday, April 6 that nearly every school district across the state, including more than 450 local education agencies, will be awarded funds through the governor’s $15 million “Get Kids Ahead” initiative.
A release from Evers’ office said schools will be able to use the funds to “provide direct mental healthcare, hire and support mental health navigators, provide mental health first aid and trauma-based care training, or provide family assistance programs.”
“Every public school district in the state was eligible to opt in to receive these funds and was guaranteed to receive a minimum of $10,000.00,” the release stated. “The remainder of the funds were allocated on a per-pupil basis.”
The School District of Tomahawk is slated to receive $25,157.00, according to data from Evers’ office.
“This funding to support student mental health is already going out the door and making a difference in the lives of Wisconsin’s children,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jill Underly. “I commend the governor for his leadership, and for ensuring that this funding was both flexible enough for schools to access it effectively and intentional enough that it is truly addressing students’ needs.”
“We know that long before the pandemic hit, kids across our state were already facing immense challenges with their mental health, but as parents and educators are seeing firsthand, these challenges have only been made worse by the isolating and traumatic events of the past two years,” Evers stated. “These funds will go directly towards whatever mental health support and services our kids need so they can be successful both in and out of the classroom to help them grow, learn, and get ahead.”
Area allocations
District Allocation
Tomahawk $25,157.00
Abbotsford $20,211.00
Antigo $38,412.00
Athens $15,464.00
Butternut $11,875.00
Chequamegon $19,945.00
Crandon $21,806.00
Edgar $17,512.00
Flambeau $17,459.00
Hurley $16.927.00
Ladysmith $19,865.00
Lakeland UHS $19,852.00
Marathon City $18,895.00
Medford $37,574.00
Merrill $42,268.00
Mosinee $36,351.00
Northland Pines $27,031.00
Phillips $19,878.00
Prentice $15,012.00
Rhinelander $41,882.00
Rib Lake $16,555.00
Stratford $21,341.00
Wausau $117,466.00
Data courtesy of Governor Tony Evers’ office.