Tell Chicago’s School Board: Pass A Mental Health Resolution!

Chicago’s students are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis that is undermining their attendance, achievement, and overall well-being.

In 2024, 64% of educators reported that their students’ mental well-being is worse than before the pandemic. At the same time, federal leaders cancelled $1 billion in school mental health grants—an abrupt reversal of bipartisan efforts to address the crisis among America’s young people.

Chicago’s school communities cannot wait. The school board must lead with urgency and pass a teacher-led resolution requiring a district-wide strategy to address student mental health. 

Educators are already doing everything they can, but they need systemic guidance, training, and tools to support student well-being, especially for our most marginalized students. A strong resolution must be teacher-led, evidence-based, and deliver real resources.

E4E-Chicago’s Mental Health Teacher Action Team is already working to identify some potential resources, which may include more mental health providers in our highest-need schools, modifying suspension policies, expanding training in areas that support well-being, and more.

Chicago’s school board has a choice: either continue to let students struggle or lead the way by investing in their mental health. Tell Chicago’s school board: pass a teacher-led resolution on mental health now!