McKinleyville School District Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Mental Health Grant Cuts
The McKinleyville Union School District in Northern California filed a lawsuit today against the U.S. Department of Education, alleging the unlawful termination of federal grants earmarked for school mental health services.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court, claims the Department of Education improperly rescinded over $2.5 million in grants awarded to the district in 2019 under the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program. The grants were intended to fund crucial mental health resources for students, including hiring counselors and providing training for staff. According to court documents, the district was informed of the funding cuts in late 2020, a decision they contend lacked justification and violated federal law.
District officials argue the cuts disproportionately impact rural schools like McKinleyville, which often lack the resources to independently fund comprehensive mental health programs. “This isn’t just about the money; it’s about the well-being of our students,” stated Superintendent Chris Presley. “These grants were vital to providing the support our kids need, especially in light of the challenges they’ve faced in recent years.” The lawsuit specifically names the Department of Education and alleges actions taken during the Trump administration led to the funding being revoked. A previous attempt to dismiss the case was rejected by a judge earlier this year, allowing the legal challenge to proceed. You can learn more about the SSAE program here.
The district is seeking full reinstatement of the grant funding, as well as damages. Mental health challenges among youth have been rising nationally, making access to school-based services increasingly critical. The Department of Education has not yet issued a formal response to the lawsuit, but officials have indicated they will vigorously defend their actions in court.
The district expects further legal proceedings to unfold in the coming months, with a hearing scheduled for early next year.
