Audit Objective
Determine whether the Port Washington Union Free School District (District) used District resources to provide the mental health component of the New York Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (SAVE Act) training requirement to staff.
Key Findings
The District did not provide mental health training as required to all staff for the 2020-21 school year by September 15, 2020 per New York State Education Department (SED) regulations.
- Only teaching staff and teaching assistants at the middle school were offered the middle school mental health training.
- Six of the 12 recommended components of mental health that educators should know were not included in the District’s middle school training.
The District officials did not maintain documentation to support attendance for training and we were unable to determine which staff members participated.
Key Recommendation
Provide mental health training to all staff and ensure it is completed by September 15, as required. Such training should address recognition of the warning signs, whom to turn to for assistance, and how to access appropriate services.
District officials agreed with our recommendation and indicated they will take corrective action.