CHICKASHA, OKLA (KTUL) — Rural Oklahoma schools are grappling with new challenges in mental health support following recent federal funding cuts to a critical program. The PRIME program, which had been instrumental in filling counseling gaps in rural schools, is set to end in December, leaving educators concerned about the future.
Bailey Smith, a special education director and resource teacher at Friend Public School, shared her experience with the PRIME program, which she credits with revitalizing her teaching career. “I don’t know that I would have continued teaching had I not been through this program,” said Smith. “I was feeling so heavily burnt out. I was feeling so unaccomplished, like I didn’t have the tools I needed.”
Smith emphasized the importance of mental health resources in schools, saying, “We are really struggling with student behaviors and student mental health in public schools, and our students deserve to be supported in their mental health in their school.”
With the program’s funding cut, Smith expressed concern for the students’ future. “I was really hopeful that they would get what they deserved, that all the kids of Oklahoma would get what they deserved, which is mental health resources and public schools to be a one-stop shop for our students,” she said. “And now I’m concerned that they won’t.”
Dr. Brittany Hott, the program director and an OU professor, stressed the necessity of such programs.
“I think as long as we continue to do this work and we support the educators who are charged with working with their children and families, the outcomes will be better for Oklahoma,” said Hott. “We don’t need to remain 50th in the country. There’s no reason for that.”
Despite the uncertainty, Smith remains committed to the program’s mission.
“My goal is to pass on whatever I can to the students — educationally, mental health-wise, and behavior-analytically,” said Smith. “I want to enrich their lives in schools while I can, and I want to help my fellow staff members do the same.”
Smith believes addressing these issues should be a top priority in Oklahoma education, asserting that all Oklahoma children deserve access to every available resource, especially in schools.
