The grant, over a period of four years, will reportedly help Duval County Public Schools lower its student-to-school psychologist ratios.

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Amid Mental Health Awareness Month, Duval County Public Schools announced Wednesday it has secured a $4.8 million grant to increase the number of school psychologists serving students and schools in the district.

DCPS said 50 school psychologists are currently employed with the district, but is short by 10 – a gap that reflects a broader national shortage.

“We aren’t able to do all of the things that we’re qualified to do, just because there aren’t enough of us,” said District Supervisor of School Psychological Services Jamie King.

In light of the shortages, DCPS said district staff applied for a “Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grant” through the Department of Education. The grant, over a period of four years, will reportedly help the district lower its student-to-school psychologist ratios, support recruitment and retention, and enhance capacity in rural and high-need areas.

Here’s a closer look at what the district says the grant will be able to do:

  • Create six new lead school psychologist positions to mentor new professionals
  • Fund four additional school psychologist positions
  • Double the number of paid school psychologist internship positions
  • Provide moving expenses and partial tuition reimbursement for school psychology interns
  • Offer stipends to intern supervisors
  • Reimburse current school psychologists for doctoral and advanced training

The school district said school psychologists serve not only K-12 students, but teachers and administrators as well, through services like problem-solving, data analysis and reviewing systems.

“We are fierce advocates every single day,” said Delaney Rust, one school psychologist. “It is our duty and our job to advocate for children, protect children, support them, and make sure that they are receiving supports and interventions.”