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(Boise, ID, February 12, 2025) – The Boise School District continues to strengthen its commitment to student mental health, as outlined in an update presented to the Board of Trustees on February 10, 2025. The report highlighted significant progress in student wellbeing, expanded mental health resources, and ongoing efforts to address social isolation and stress among students.
Expanded Mental Health Support
To enhance student access to mental health resources, the district has added four new social workers across schools and one full-time counselor dedicated to supporting students at Boise Online School and the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center. These additions will allow for more group support opportunities and increased backing for the district’s Hope Squads, a peer-led suicide prevention program. Hope Squads are an elective class available at four district high schools and eight junior high schools. The district also successfully completed the Signs of Suicide program for students in grades 7-12.
Student Mental Health Data Shows Positive Trends
Findings from the Student Wellbeing Survey, conducted in partnership with Communities for Youth, show a marked improvement in key mental health indicators. The survey, conducted in late October 2024, concluded:
- A decrease in students reporting thoughts of suicide.
- Depression rates among students have decreased and are below the national average.
- A strong correlation between having a trusted adult at school and lower depression rates, with 76% of students reporting that they have a trusted adult to turn to.
Priorities Moving Forward
Building on these positive trends, the district will continue its efforts to combat social isolation and stress while expanding mental health literacy and suicide prevention initiatives. Key focus areas include increasing participation in wellbeing surveys, refining school-level mental health programming, and prioritizing staff wellbeing to ensure educators have the support they need to foster a positive learning environment.
“Our data shows that we are moving in the right direction, but we know there is more work to do,” said Superintendent Lisa Roberts. “We remain committed to providing students with the mental health resources they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”
The full Board presentation is available on the Boise School District’s YouTube channel. For more information on the Boise School District’s mental health initiatives, visit www.boiseschools.org or visit the Boise School District's Mental Health and Wellbeing Services for Students & Families website.
News Media Contact:
Dan Hollar
Public Affairs Administrator
Boise School District
208.854.4064 (O)
[email protected]
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