Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Fayette County Public Schools has received an Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement “A Positive Vision.” The district will get $379,881 in first-year funds, with the grant totaling more than $1 million for the three-year project period.

“A Positive Vision” is a comprehensive program that aims to expand mental health counseling services for students; reduce disciplinary referrals and increase academic achievement while reducing achievement gaps; increase teacher skills; reduce teacher turnover; and increase parent and community involvement at Crawford and Winburn middle schools. 

The funds will support additional counselors at the participating schools and will implement “Positive Action,” a research-based, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) Model program with an integrated, comprehensive, coherent program for schools, families and communities. “Positive Action” is the only program in the nation to earn the top rating by the U.S. Department of Education for both academics and behavior.

FCPS is one of two districts in Kentucky to receive a grant; the other is Clinton County.

For more information, contact FCPS grants resource specialist Susan Decker-Davis, (859) 381-4228.