January 6, 2023

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced today that the Phoenix-Talent School District is one of four Oregon districts that will receive a combined $20 million in competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Education to hire additional licensed mental health providers.

PTS will receive $2,649,732 to be used over the next five years. In the latest issue of the PTS Rising Report, superintendent Brent Barry said the funds will be used to expand the district's school-based mental health offerings.

"That means more school counselors, psychologists, therapists, and other qualified mental health providers in our buildings, helping our students reach their potential," he said. "In the very near future, we will be remodeling our school-based mental health center at Phoenix High, hiring another school therapist at PHS and hiring a fourth Community Care specialist, expanding a program that has already benefited so many PTS families."

Douglas Education District, Multnomah County SD and Corbett SD also received mental health grants.