Press Releases
07/19/2024
Connecticut State Board of Education Impartial Hearing Panel Resolves 10-4b Complaint, Expanding Mental Health Services for Killingly Students
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is pleased to announce that students in Killingly will soon benefit from significantly expanded mental health services across the district, following a comprehensive investigation and resolution process.
The development comes after more than two years of a detailed state investigation initiated in response to a 10-4b complaint filed in April 2022. Attorney Andrew A. Feinstein filed the complaint on behalf of concerned Killingly residents and parents, alleging that the Killingly Board of Education was not meeting the state's educational interests by failing to provide adequate mental health support to students. The complaint and investigation report can be found here: Killingly 10-4b Matter.
The CSDE's inquiry led to a series of impartial hearings by a panel of the State Board of Education, beginning in November 2022. The resolution, officially agreed to by all parties today, represents a commitment to the mental health and well-being of students, essential for their educational success.
Complaint Resolution
The Killingly Board of Education has agreed to a new arrangement with Community Health Resources, Inc. (CHR), which will provide expanded, full-time mental health services at Killingly High School and Killingly Intermediate School, and part-time services at Killingly Memorial School. The agreement also includes enhanced outreach efforts by CHR to inform families about the available services. The CSDE will continue to monitor the implementation of these services to ensure they meet the required standards and effectively address the needs of Killingly students. The full resolution can be found here: Killingly Resolution Agreement.
Governor Ned Lamont: “This is a significant victory for the students of Killingly. Today’s resolution is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Connecticut State Department of Education and the State Board of Education in prioritizing the social, behavioral, and mental health of our students.”
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz: “The students of Killingly made their voices heard, and today is a significant triumph for each of them. Our young people have had a lot to face in recent years, and they deserve to have access to adequate mental health resources and support to help them through whatever challenges they may face. I appreciate the work of the Killingly Board of Education in finding a resolution that meets the needs of their students.”
Commissioner Russell-Tucker: "Today is a momentous day for the students of Killingly. This resolution underscores our dedication to ensuring that every student in Connecticut has access to the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health services they need to thrive. We commend the Killingly Board of Education for their commitment to resolving this matter in the best interests of their students."
Andrew Feinstein: “Today's welcome victory for the students of Killingly is due to the clear, persistent, and effective advocacy by the State Department of Education and, specifically, by its dedicated Commissioner. The State Board of Education, in concert with the Department, has been steadfast in holding that the social, behavioral and mental health of students is a critical part of the educational mission of the State of Connecticut. The 10-4b complaint being resolved today made it clear that school districts need to devote staff, resources, and attention to the emotional needs of students.”
Erin Benham: “This resolution is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, from the concerned parents and community members to my colleagues on the State Board of Education, Commissioner Russell-Tucker, and the diligent staff at the CSDE. We are grateful for their persistent advocacy and collaboration, which led to this significant step forward in providing vital mental health services to the students of Killingly.”
###
For immediate release: July 19, 2024
Matthew Cerrone
Connecticut State Department of Education
Cell: 860.424.1988
- Twitter: CT State Department of Education Twitter
- Facebook: CT State Department of Education Facebook