Bid awarded to assess threats in R-6 district

Sikeston R-6 elementary students load the bus Tuesday after school. The annual transportation eport was given during Tuesday's regular Board of Education meeting. According to Bill Derrick, R-6 transportation director, the average number of students transported by bus daily this school year is estimated at 4,200. Jill Bock, Staff

At the administration's recommendation, Bootheel Counseling Services and Family Medical Clinic in Sikeston was awarded the bid for for threat assessment and substance abuse prevention and eduction during Tuesday's regular meeting of the Board of Education.

There was no discussion by board members prior to their vote in favor of Bootheel Counseling Services, which was the sole bidder.

The program approved by the Board includes an initial screening of a student using a questionnaire designed to indicate if a student is at-risk for self-harm or harm to others and an eight-week substance abuse prevention and education program of 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours each week, which totals 10 to 12 hours of direct service to the student per program period.

The district also has an option where school personnel may request an assessment of the student, which is a therapeutic evaluation to help determine other mental health concerns and possible need for other services.

The services and program are effective this school year. Service fees are $135 per session (for up to approximately 12 students in session) and $125 per student for assessments.

For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.