‘Cut off at the Knees’ Lemon Grove School Leaders Reel Over Federal Cuts to Mental Health Grant

May 27, 2025

The Lemon Grove School District in California has been informed that their $2. 7 million federal grant for mental health services will be suspended starting December 2025, with $1. 2 million already utilized to hire five mental health workers.

Who is affected

Students in the Lemon Grove School District, particularly the marginalized student population (65% Hispanic and 13% Black)
Five mental health care workers hired with the grant funding
Families of students receiving mental health services through the program
Teachers and administrators who rely on these mental health professionals for student support
Students with mental health needs who would otherwise face long wait times for outside services

What action is being taken

Lemon Grove leaders are working on appealing the termination of their grant
The district is exploring litigation options with other impacted districts throughout California
Officials are attempting to "do everything possible" to maintain all of the filled positions until the end of the upcoming school year
The district is connecting with Congress, community members, and families to find alternative ways to sustain these programs

Why it matters

The district has already shown measurable improvements: chronic absenteeism dropped from 47% to 24%, mental health staff-to-student ratios improved from 1:250 to 1:166, and suspension rates declined from 4.3% to 3.7%
Black adolescents are significantly less likely to receive mental health care due to systemic inequities and cultural mistrust in the healthcare system
Outside mental health services have lengthy wait times (3-4 months), making school-based services critical
The social workers provide vital services including crisis intervention, behavioral support, counseling, and connecting families with basic needs resources
The program was created in response to the Uvalde school shooting to address mental health warning signs that can precede violence

What's next

Lemon Grove leaders are working on appealing the termination of their grant
The district is exploring litigation options with other impacted districts throughout California
Officials plan to maintain all filled positions until the end of the upcoming school year
The district is reaching out to Congress, families, and community members for support in continuing these programs

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint