Jan 23, 2019 2 min read

CHARLEROI – The Charleroi Area School District is bringing in an outreach coordinator to help at-risk students who are struggling with psychosocial issues and other problems outside the classroom.

Superintendent Ed Zelich said the outreach coordinator will help to serve as a link between the home, school and community. The goal is to help students remain in school and graduate, as well as reach their fullest academic potential and grow both socially and emotionally, Zelich said.

“Every day, there are many students in our district who are experiencing problems such as mental health and behavior difficulties, access to basic necessities, traumatic life-changing events, discrimination, abuse, addiction and loss of a loved one,” he said. “It’s difficult for these students to learn when they are dealing with these types of issues. They need help but don’t know where to turn.”

During its meeting Tuesday, the school board came up with a solution that could help many students avoid falling through the cracks. By a unanimous vote, the board approved an agreement with Southwest Behavioral Care Inc. for a family advocate representative/outreach coordinator.

According to Zelich, the hiring is effective during the second semester of the 2018-19 school year. A candidate has already been identified at Southwest Behavioral Care.

“We will pilot this position for six months, but our hope is to make it long-term,” said Zelich.

Zelich added that identified intensive at-risk students will be referred for problems and concerns that affect their academic achievement and social and emotional well-being. Parents, legal guardians, school personnel or others familiar with the student may refer to the family advocacy representative or students may refer themselves.

“This is really a steal for what we will be getting,” said Zelich, who noted that the district is paying $25,800 for this service. “This is cutting-edge and our district is trying to be a little bit ahead of the curve.”