BILLINGS, Mont. — In recent months, the city of Billings has been grappling with multiple tragedies involving the loss of students from Billings Public Schools. This past weekend, yet another student tragically lost their life in an accident.
Gordon Klasna, the Director of Secondary Education, stated that the school district has a Crisis Response team consisting of counselors who are dedicated to supporting staff and students dealing with loss. Navigating trauma is especially challenging for children and teenagers, who may struggle to express their emotions.
Klasna emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one has to deal with such situations alone. The school district is making every effort to provide support to those affected by such tragedies. Additionally, he pointed out that the entire state, including the school district, is facing a shortage of mental health providers. This shortage underscores the need for additional support for students and staff during difficult times.
The school district was recently awarded a grant that will allow them to allocate staff to mental health positions and hire more guidance counselors to provide increased support during trying times. Klasna urged parents or guardians of students struggling with mental health or trauma to reach out to the school district for assistance in finding the support they need.
In conclusion, Billings Public Schools are working diligently to provide comprehensive support for students and staff during times of tragedy. Their efforts to address the shortage of mental health providers and expand support services aim to ensure that no one in the community has to face such challenges alone.