Waxahachie ISD counseling staff gave an end-of-year report for 2024–25 and introduced a new district social worker who will coordinate community resources and casework for students and families.

“Mind Above Matter is our in-house intensive after-school treatment program for our students, our highest needs students,” a WISD counseling presenter said, reporting that the clinic’s maximum capacity is 10 students and that the program discharged 31 students during 2024–25.

The district’s Next Step counselors provided in-school services: staff reported approximately 442 clients and about 3,294 counseling sessions delivered during the school day, keeping students in class while they met with therapists.

WISD also reported Care Solace coordination numbers: counselors and Care Solace assisted about 147 individuals and recorded roughly 3,856 total communications between families, staff and Care Solace during the period noted in the presentation.

Monica Taylor, the district’s behavior/mental health coordinator, has expanded a classroom program piloted at two elementary campuses to all elementary schools; the district introduced Choose Love curriculum elements and staff training during a district kickoff.

The district also hired a district social worker, introduced to the council as Jessica (no last name provided). Jessica said she is a licensed clinical social worker who previously worked as a Next Step counselor and will serve as a Community Resource Liaison. She described several initiatives she now coordinates:

- Weekend snack bag coordination with churches and North Texas Food Bank; about 70 bags are being added weekly at some campuses, with efforts to sustain congregational partners.
- Kiwanis Closet management to provide new clothing for families during an after-school shopping model.
- McKinney-Vento and foster-care liaison work to connect families to services and funding and reduce gaps in identification and support.
- A transitions program for students returning from DAEP or JJAEP (disciplinary alternative programs) to provide check-ins, small groups and more intentional adult supports with the aim of preventing re-referral to DAEP/JJAEP.

“Students can't learn if their basic needs aren't met,” Jessica said, summarizing the rationale for the district social worker position.

Jessica told the council she has already served about 65 families through counselor and McKinney-Vento referrals since starting in the role. The district did not provide specific budgetary details for the new social worker position during the meeting.