Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools will contract with Ascension St. Vincent to provide behavioral health services beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

Community Health Network, which provides those services during the current school year, has notified the district it does not plan to renew its one-year agreement. Community will continue to provide nursing and athletic health services under a separate contract that runs through 2030.

Under the new agreement approved by the school board Wednesday, Ascension will provide 13 licensed therapists at a cost of $672,000 for the 2026-27 school year. The current Community contract costs the district $400,000 for 22 therapists.

Chief Financial Officer Tim Brown said that because of staff turnover, the district typically had 17 to 18 therapists available under the Community contract. He added that Community’s behavioral health services were part of a broader package of services provided to the district, which contributed to a lower overall cost for mental health care.

Brown told board members the Ascension proposal was the strongest of four bids considered by the administration.

Therapists currently employed by Community and working in HSE schools may apply for positions under the new Ascension contract.

The board approved the Ascension contract unanimously, with Juanita Albright abstaining.

The full contract is available at this link.

In other business Wednesday:

— Dr. Matt Kegley reviewed capacity for transfer students from other districts. A total of 914 seats are available across grade levels and buildings, although some schools are at capacity and unable to accept transfers. Students who transfer into HSE from another district generate just under $7,000 per student in state funding.  In the current school year, HSE has 99 transfer students. Details are available at this link.

— The district reminded residents that contributions to the Angel Fund are accepted year-round. The fund is used to eliminate school lunch debt for students and families at the end of the school year. Donations may be made at this link.