The Indianola School Board reviewed the 2022-23 school year mental health report at their meeting Tuesday, a follow-up from a board priority to increase mental health services from the beginning of the year. Superintendent Ted Ihns tells KNIA News over 100 students took advantage of services from the school and their mental health professional partners, and the district is looking to expand on those in the future.

“What we want to make sure is that when students are referred, whether it be parents or staff members or whoever has that opportunity to be a part of those conversations, that it is an easy and seamless transition. Between the providers, the referral process, the staff, and families, and everybody, they were 99% thinking either the process was excellent or very good. We are pleased with what we have, and we will continue to move forward with that.”

Ihns said the board also discussed the challenges associated with expanding those services, including finding enough mental health professionals in the area.