Char-Em ISD hires new behavioral health coordinator

NORTHERN MICHIGAN — The Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District has announced the creation of a new position ahead of the 2023-24 school year.  

The ISD hired Alicia Schlehuber to work as the district’s behavioral health coordinator. Starting in July, she will begin supporting the schools and students at the start of the next school year. The role will allow her to work collaboratively with school-based teams to implement behavioral health interventions and provide training, guidance and coordination to the schools within the ISD.  

“I am excited to create and promote a robust, innovative and inclusive emotional wellness program that will help our schools combat the mental health crisis facing our youth. I look forward to forging partnerships along the way,” Schlehuber said in a release. “I also hope to decrease barriers to accessing mental health services and improve services that address the social and emotional needs of our youth so students can focus on learning.” 

According to the release, the Char-Em ISD was able to hire someone into this position after experiencing consistent state funding to help address the mental and emotional health needs of students.  

“We are very appreciative of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan legislature’s commitment to addressing this persistent issue to help our students thrive. We are excited about the opportunities Alicia will bring to districts throughout our ISD in an effort to better support the needs of our students and their families, and staff,” Char-Em ISD Superintendent Scott Koziol said in the release.  

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The position will be partially funded by funds allocated by the state legislature in section 31n of the state School Aid Act. Section 31n has a provision about mental health and support services in schools throughout the state.  

In addition to supporting 31n efforts within the district, Schlehuber will be leading and coordinating training and guidance of already existing ISD efforts, like TRAILS to Wellness, restorative practices, Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) and student behavior threat assessments.  

Currently, Schlehuber works as the special populations coordinator at the Public Schools of Petoskey.

The Char-EM ISD serves 11 public school districts and two charter academies.  

— Contact reporter Karly Graham atkgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at@KarlyGrahamJRN.