ChandlerUnified School District

Dear Chandler Community, 

Chandler Unified School District has served students and families since 1912. Throughout the many decades of our rich history, CUSD has been committed to doing what is best for kids. We are educators. However, as educators we know that we also have a responsibility for the wellbeing of every student. This includes providing students with mental health resources and supporting them any way we can. Students are the future. Schools, parents, guardians, families, and community members play a part in the success of that future.

Our hope is that after reading this message the community will further understand a school district’s role when it comes to the mental health of students. This challenge is larger than any one school district. The world our children are expected to navigate is much different than the one we grew up with and societal impacts and influences have drastically changed over the past few years. Schools are part of the solution, and by working together we can all make a difference.

In the past five years, CUSD has made mental health support and training a priority. We have researched, collected data, and assessed the need for resources. In that time our counseling and social worker team has grown to four district level administrators (two who are state leaders in this field), 21 social workers, and 92 counselors. We use certified experts and evidence-based practices to train and teach staff and students on this very important issue. Additionally, we are in the process of enhancing our current practices by growing our community partners and bringing national experts to the table. To assist with this, we have initiated a collaboration of key individuals with the City of Chandler, Town of Gilbert, and Gilbert Public Schools. A community effort is needed to assess services and resources available to our families and identify supports that may be lacking in the area of preventative care. In CUSD, we remain committed to these efforts.

In the coming weeks and months, you will see student roundtable discussions, student-led support groups at the secondary level, a community forum, and increased resources at school sites. As we were headed into summer break, we initiated an increase in communication regarding mental health support available in our community which included virtual listen and learn opportunities. This week a follow-up communication will be distributed, recapping the upcoming Board study session that outlines all CUSD youth mental health efforts. In return, we ask families to monitor your email for school and district communication and regularly review our counseling department website for the most up to date resources.

Our future depends on our students knowing that they are loved, valued, and cared about. Do we have room to improve? Absolutely, and we are committed to making improvements that are sustainable and impactful. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember you are not alone. From the federal 9-8-8 hotline, 9-1-1, Teen Lifeline (602-248-TEEN (8336) and CUSD’s SpeakUp line (480-573-8808), help is available.

With Gratitude,
Franklin R. Narducci
Superintendent