This application is to be completed by those interested in filling a vacancy on the KSDE SMHAC. The goal of the council is to advise the State BOE of any unmet needs in the state related to mental health in schools.
The Kansas School Mental Health Advisory Council was formed by the Kansas State Board of Education at their meeting in July 2017. The SMHAC meets five times a year (February, April, July, October, and December) and holds the expectation of all members attendance and participation.
Purpose of the council:
1.) Advise the Kansas State Board of Education of unmet needs within the state in the area of school mental
health;
2.) Coordinate with legislators and stakeholders to address relevant issues effectively to best meet the needs of students; and
3.) Coordinate statewide collaborative social emotional character development partnerships with stakeholders
that will benefit students.
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is accepting applications to fill current open appointments on the Kansas School Mental Health Advisory Council. The Kansas School Mental Health Advisory Council will approve nominations at the Membership committee meeting. Consideration for membership includes the following:
*Members will be representative of the state’s geographic regions (board regions)
*district sizes
*culturally diverse (addressing biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race/ethnicity (including migrant populations)
*mental health disabilities
*socioeconomic status (SES)
*Individuals who possess knowledge of mental health needs of children.
*Individuals should understand developmental disabilities.
*Ability of the individual to represent his/her constituency, and to maintain communication between the constituency membership and the School Mental Health Advisory Council.
*Commitment to active participation in the School Mental Health Advisory Council meetings
Unless specified, appointments will be for three-year terms.
Questions may be directed to:
- Trish Backman, Trish.Backman@ksde.gov
- Kent Reed, kent.reed@ksde.gov
- Alysha Nichols, alysha.nichols@ksde.gov
