The U.S. Department of Education has finalized its decision to revoke a $1.9 million mental health grant from Rochester Public Schools, according to a letter sent to the district. The federal agency stated the program's focus on diversity conflicted with the current administration's priorities, leaving the future of dozens of participants uncertain.
Key Takeaways
- Rochester Public Schools' appeal to save a $1.9 million federal mental health grant has been denied.
- The U.S. Department of Education cited a conflict with the current administration's policies as the reason for termination.
- The grant funded a program to train school staff as mental health professionals, prioritizing diverse candidates.
- The decision impacts 22 current and prospective participants whose training is now in jeopardy.
Federal Government Confirms Grant Termination
Rochester Public Schools received official notification on September 12, 2025, that its appeal to reinstate a critical mental health grant was unsuccessful. The funding, totaling $1.9 million, was initially discontinued in the spring of 2025.
In a letter to the district, the U.S. Department of Education explained its final decision. The agency determined that the grant supported programs aligned with the previous administration's policy preferences, which it said were in conflict with current priorities.
Focus on Diversity Cited as Conflict
The department's letter specifically pointed to the grant's provision that targeted tuition scholarships for individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. This element was identified as a key point of conflict with the current administration's policy direction.
The decision finalizes the termination of the grant, removing a significant source of funding intended to expand mental health support for students within the district.
Background of the Program
The grant, known as the School Based Mental Health Scholars program, was a partnership between Rochester Public Schools and Winona State University. It was designed to address a local shortage of qualified mental health providers by training existing school employees.
Details of the Mental Health Initiative
The School Based Mental Health Scholars program was established to create a sustainable pipeline of mental health professionals directly within the school system. It provided full tuition coverage for selected Rochester Public Schools faculty and staff to pursue degrees in social work at Winona State University.
A primary goal of the initiative was to increase the number of qualified mental health providers available to students. School officials had previously noted a significant lack of accessible mental health services in the community.
Upon completing their degrees, participants were not guaranteed a position within the district but were assured an interview. This structure was intended to build a pool of qualified candidates familiar with the school environment.
Addressing a Critical Need
When the grant was first announced in 2023, the district presented data highlighting the urgent need for student mental health support. Statistics showed that 32% of 11th graders in the district had seriously considered suicide, and 11% had attempted it. Both figures were above the state average at the time.
Impact on Participants and the District
The termination of the grant has created significant uncertainty for the individuals involved in the program. According to Superintendent Kent Pekel, the decision directly affects nearly two dozen people at various stages of their education and training.
The district provided a breakdown of those impacted:
- 6 participants had already completed the program.
- 10 participants were currently enrolled and midway through their degree and licensing process.
- 12 participants had been selected to begin the program this fall.
Superintendent Pekel expressed deep concern over the development, describing the grant's termination as a major setback for student well-being.
"The $1.9 million federal grant to RPS was designed to address the profound mental health crisis that is affecting students in every community and from every background across the United States today," Pekel stated in a previous communication. He referred to the initial decision to discontinue the funding as a "big step backward."
With the funding now officially cut, the 10 current participants face the challenge of completing their degrees without the financial support they were promised. The 12 prospective participants will be unable to start the program as planned, effectively halting the initiative.
Broader Implications for Student Support
The loss of the $1.9 million grant represents a significant blow to the district's strategy for addressing student mental health. The program was a key part of an effort to embed trained professionals within schools, making support more accessible to students in need.
The initiative's focus on recruiting from diverse backgrounds was also a strategic component. The district aimed to build a team of mental health providers that better reflected the student population, a factor often linked to more effective and culturally competent care.
School officials have not yet announced alternative plans to fund the program or support the affected participants. The district now faces the challenge of finding new ways to address the student mental health crisis without the support of the federal grant.
