Agenda Item
a. Mental Health Services by Cartwheel (State Grant ~ Not to Exceed $900,000) ~ Updated. 12.2.2025
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools and Leadership
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the use of Cartwheel as an approved vendor to provide Mental Health Services for staff and students in DCSD.
Why: Georgia's FY26 state budget established $19.6 million for student mental health services and supports. At its August 20, 2025 meeting, the State Board of Education approved state mental health grant funds for school districts based on a state-defined formula of $20,000 to each middle school and high school.
DCSD would like to partner with Cartwheel to provide the Mental Health Services funded by the grant. DCSD would like to utilize Cartwheel to facilitate comprehensive mental health support for staff and students based on the grant funding for middle and high schools in DCSD.
Details: This document provides relevant information about the allowable use of funds and reporting requirements for Georgia’s school districts utilizing the state mental health grant funds.
https://login.community.gadoe.org/documents/student-mental-behavioral-health-services-grant
Cartwheel has an approved contract with the State of Georgia. eRFI 41400-DOE0000094
Financial impact: There is no financial impact to the district as this is being funded through a state grant.
At the October 6, 2025, Board of Education meeting, the state grant in the amount of $920,000 was approved by the Board of Education.
Contact: Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools and Leadership, (678) 676-0542
Dr. Kishia Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, (678) 676-1913
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs