Agenda Item
b. GaDOE Mental Health Grant Awards and Mental Health Services Provided by Cartwheel (Collectively Not to Exceed $1,040,000)
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Ateshia Lester, Acting Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb Board of Education approve the use of Cartwheel as an approved vendor to provide Mental Health Services directly to students in grades 6-12 (not to exceed $880,000) and approve the acceptance of $160,000 ($20,000 each) for 8 charter schools to provide direct services for students.
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 on a state-defined formula of $20,000 to each middle school and high school.
DCSD would like to utilize Cartwheel to facilitate comprehensive mental health support for staff and middle and high school students. The costs to receive services from Cartwheel will not exceed $880,000, the total of the 2026 GaDOE grant award. The grant funds will provide direct services for students and accept $160,000 ($20,000 each) for 8 charter schools to provide direct mental health services for students at their individual school.
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. Cartwheel has an approved contract with the State of Georgia. eRFI 41400-DOE0000094
https://login.community.gadoe.org/documents/student-mental-behavioral-health-services-grant
Financial impact: There is no Financial Impact.
Contact: Mrs. Ateshia Lester, Acting Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership, 678.676.0542
Dr. Kishia Towns, Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678.676.1913
Dr. Marcia Oglesby, Director of Grants & Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678.676.0375
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Student Mental/Behavioral Health Services Grant Funding
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. May we use these funds to purchase curriculum, intervention, or other materials to
be utilized during the direct services for mental/behavioral health and wellbeing?
Yes. This funding may be used to purchase curriculum, intervention, or other materials, as
long as the materials purchased are being used during direct services to students to
support mental/behavioral health and wellbeing.
2. May we use these funds to purchase a universal screener or other assessment
tools?
No. These funds should only be used to provide direct services to students to support
mental/behavioral health and wellbeing.
3. Does the full allocation need to be spent at each school?
No. Each local education agency (LEA) will receive a funding allocation of $20,000 per
middle and high school. The funding should be utilized to increase direct student services
for students in grades 6-12 only but can be distributed to schools and programs serving
these grades however the LEA deems fit. The local school district should determine the
best way to maximize funding to support student mental/behavioral health in grades 6-12
across the district.
4. We have an alternative program that serves grades 6-12 but did not receive funding
for it. Are we allowed to use funds to support students who attend this program?
Yes. This funding may be used to support the mental/behavioral health of students in
grades 6-12 in your school district.
5. May we use these funds to pay for training for the adults providing the services?
No. These funds should only be used to provide direct services to students.
6. Are there training options for staff?
Yes. Schools and districts can access no cost training for staff via the state-funded
GaDOE/RESA Mental Health Awareness Training project. Schools and districts can
2066 Twin Towers East • 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive • Atlanta, GA 30334 • www.gadoe.org
Updated July 1, 2026
request training from a curated catalog and can request training not on the catalog by
collaborating with their local RESA.
7. How do we access the funding?
FY26 funding will be distributed monthly through Georgia’s Online Reporting System
(GaORS).
• Fund 100, Program 1517, Revenue Source 3125
8. Are we required to complete any reports related to this grant?
Yes. All districts receiving the funding will be required to complete a mid-year report. The
report shall be completed in collaboration with your school district’s financial team. The
survey will request information regarding the number of students served at Tiers 1, 2, and
3; specific funding allocated for contracted services, tele-health, and school district
personnel; and additional types of services provided. A completion report is not required.
9. I noticed that GaDOE shared a vendor list for telehealth services. Am I required to use
a vendor from that list (if we select telehealth services for implementation)?
No. LEAs that choose to implement telehealth services with these grant funds can choose
one of the vendors who completed the RFI process or choose another vendor who they
deem fit. The Suggested Telehealth Vendor List is intended to provide information and is
NOT a recommendation of services or vendors.
10. Who can I contact at GaDOE with any questions?
Dr. Tabathia Baldy, Mental Health & Wellbeing Senior Program Manager, Office of Whole
Child Supports
tabathia.baldy@doe.k12.ga.us