Brevard County needs more social workers, especially in its schools. As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc, causing stress, isolation, and uncertainty in people of all ages, Brevard's schools have seen far more disciplinary issues than in previous years. 

Recently, Brevard County school board members Katye Campbell and Misty Belford spoke out about this need.

With concerns about children's health and behavior growing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brevard County School Board members said the school district needs more personnel to handle student mental health.

“We have a lot of hurting kids,” School Board member Katye Campbell said. “Whether it's the continued trajectory that we were already on, the conversations we were having before the pandemic ever started, or the results of pandemic, or all of the above, we've got a lot of needs to meet.” ...

Campbell said all around the nation many are concerned that COVID-19 disruptions have impacted students’ mental health and behavior. Students have had their schedules disrupted and many have lost out on a year of in-person learning. Some have lost contact with friends and social supports such as sports and extra-curricular activities that helped them cope prior to the pandemic.

Read the entire article, originally printed in Florida Today.