Denair Unified School District’s “small buy mighty” Mental Health Team – Lina Maria Mateus, Kara Binkley, Sally Baker, Rosaura Contreras, Brittany Heinsaar, and Perla Bravo – continues to provide students with innovate pathways to behavioral health services, according to a presentation Thursday before the Board of Trustees.
For the fourth consecutive year, DUSD was invited to attend the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) state conference in Sacramento Oct. 16-17, which boasted more than 200 attendees. This year, four of Denair’s 20 attending students gave a presentation on their NAMI club’s mission, successes and challenges. The mental health team’s strategies to overcome those challenges include individual and group sessions, social/emotional check-ins, and conflict mediation.
The team also highlighted district-sponsored projects and activities, explaining how these initiatives have supported both the schools and the overall community by helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, while open and positive dialogue.
“At the high school, we’ve had more than 1,300 direct or indirect contacts in relation to mental health services for our students,” said Heinsaar. “Those are huge numbers. This year we’ve had more than 100 students participate in the NAMI club.”
Some of the new initiatives include the DECA Calming Corner, wellness bags, a student rock garden, and “Relax with Lina Maria” sessions for parents.
The team also shared that the DUSD is set to hire and onboard a new elementary school counselor later this month. After receiving more than two dozen applications, eight candidates were interviewed and three of those rose to the top of the list.
The board also heard a presentation on the district’s cell phone policy, which was partially derived by consulting with parents, students, and faculty. The policy is a response to a new law that takes effect July 1, 2026, which mandates that districts across the state must limit or prohibit cell phone use during school hours.
DUSD has opted to limit the use of cell phones during school hours, rather than prohibit.
“We feel the policy presented for the first read is the right way to go,” said Metzger. “Of course, there remains work to be done on the implementation side.”
In other business Thursday, the board unanimously approved the 2025-26 Career Technical Education Incentive Grant, totaling more than $520,000. This grant supports student access to industry-aligned career pathways, instructional materials and equipment, professional development, and program improvements that prepare students for college and career success.
The board also accepted the Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant, totaling more than $21,000.
Classified Employee of the Month – Nilza Borba
“Nilza is a hardworking, honest and dependable employee,” said Director of Facilities, Construction, Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation Mark Hodges. “As our high school daytime custodian, she’s always ready to help when called upon. I truly appreciate all she does for our high school, our department, and the district.”
Certificated Employee of the Month – Alison Loftin
“Ali consistently goes above and beyond to support all students as they learn to read,” said DECA Principal Crystal Sousa. “She creates a fun and engaging environment where students who are convinced they ‘cannot’ read begin to feel confident in their abilities and are willing to try new strategies to become successful readers.”
