School Safety in Iowa—Prioritizing Mental Health as a Safety Strategy

This BoardCast episode highlights mental health as a key driver of school safety with a  focus on prevention and long-term wellness. Stacey Warren from Heartland AEA shares how Iowa districts are integrating mental health supports into their safety strategies and what effective programs look like in practice.

The conversation outlines the governance role of school boards, including policy, staffing, and resource considerations, while offering guidance for boards beginning to prioritize mental health. The episode also addresses common challenges and emphasizes the importance of community and parent engagement in supporting student well-being.