West Fargo Public Schools will spend a $12 million federal grant to recruit 21 mental health professionals

Fargo, North Dakota – The West Fargo Public Schools will be the recipient of a grant in the amount of $12 million over the course of ten years to hire additional behavioral health specialists.

“It’s just been incredible. When we found out, you know we found out over the Christmas break that we had been awarded this grant and, just jumping up and down in my pajamas we were so excited,” said Annie Richards, the district’s Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness.

According to Richards, the Department of Education’s federal grant would be utilized to hire 21 full-time employees to provide mental health services throughout the district. All current staff members will receive training on mental health to help pupils.

The first district in the state to establish a department devoted to behavioral health and wellness was West Fargo Public Schools last summer.