LOS ANGELES – In a unanimous decision, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education passes Board Member Karla Griego’s resolution, Wellness Without Silos: Advancing Student Wellness Through Integrated School Culture and Wellness Teams and Expanded Professional Learning. The resolution calls for the development of a reference guide policy to ensure alignment, coherence, and effective coordination of existing school-site teams, structures, and staff responsible for student mental health, wellness, and school culture.
Furthermore, this resolution also emphasizes expanded training and shared learning opportunities for educators, school staff, administrators, and explores the development of a system or equity index to evaluate the level of trauma in school communities, for the purpose of deploying supports in a more equitable and preventative way.
“Creating a positive school culture requires intentional, coordinated, cross-divisional systems that foster trust, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of belonging throughout the entire school community,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “That is why I’m happy to author Wellness Without Silos, a resolution that calls for a coordinated framework to strengthen alignment and integration across school culture and student wellness efforts, ultimately helping schools create healthier, safer, and more supportive environments where all students can thrive.”
“Student wellness must be part of everything we do, not something we approach in isolation,” said Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait. “Los Angeles Unified integrates wellness into school culture to create environments where students feel supported, safe, and ready to learn. Critical to this work is providing our educators with the tools and training to meet the full needs of our students — academically, socially, and emotionally.”
“When we work together with the community, it can only be effective if everybody understands the roles and responsibilities they hold,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “I am looking forward to the District uplifting our communities and being more proactive when assisting students who may be living with trauma.”
"Student wellness cannot continue to exist in silos across our schools," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. "This resolution is about better aligning the important work already happening every day so students experience schools that are supportive, connected, trauma-informed, and responsive to their needs."
“I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution because every student deserves a school where mental health and wellness are fully integrated into their learning and every staff member has the professional development and support they need to sustain their efforts. This is about strengthening coordination across our systems so our schools are truly safe, responsive, and healing-centered for all,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin.
“Student wellness cannot exist in silos. This resolution strengthens our commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive schools by ensuring every student has access to caring adults, strong wellness supports, and positive school environments where they can thrive academically and emotionally,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
“We are grateful for the mental health professionals and school staff who support students and families every day, and stronger coordination across existing teams and services will help schools respond even more effectively to student wellness needs. I am proud to support this resolution and focus on collaborative, school-site based approaches that strengthen school culture, belonging, and the overall well-being of our students,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
"Student wellness is a critical charge of our schools and our entire public school district. I appreciate this resolution pushing us towards a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to ensure our systems of support can reach our students and families, especially given the crises being faced by our communities at this time,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez.
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