Mental health and special education services protect the learning environment for every child, not just those getting help

By Shamecca Brown, Independent Columnist

As families across New Hampshire settle into the new school year, one crisis continues to loom — and it doesn’t wait for the first bell. Cuts to mental health programs and special education supports are leaving students without the help they need – and that affects every child, every classroom and every family.

As a parent of two teens, I see it firsthand. When mental health counselors and special education staff are reduced, it’s not just kids with IEPs (individualized education plans) or 504 plans who are impacted – it’s the entire classroom. Teachers are stretched thin, students who need extra help may fall behind, and parents are left wondering whether schools can truly support all students while keeping learning on track.

Special education and mental health programs are critical for helping students manage stress, anxiety, learning challenges and trauma. Students with disabilities or those on the spectrum rely on these programs – and on IEPs and 504 plans – to get the accommodations and support they need to succeed.

When these programs are cut or underfunded, everyone feels it:

Teachers are forced to manage larger classrooms with more students needing individual attention.
Students without proper support may struggle academically and socially, disrupting the learning environment for everyone.
Families are left worrying if their children are truly getting the help they need while trying to keep them on track.

Cuts to mental health and special education services don’t just affect individual students, they affect every child in the classroom. Numbers on a spreadsheet don’t show the stress and frustration families are feeling. Teens who once had weekly counseling or learning support may now wait weeks or months. Teachers are doing their best, but they are stretched beyond capacity. Students who need extra help may slip through the cracks, while classmates feel the ripple effect in their own learning experience.

Schools are often the first place students receive help for mental health or learning challenges. Parents trust that professionals will advocate for their children’s growth, safety and success. But when funding is cut, that trust is tested. Families can no longer assume that IEPs, 504 plans or mental health supports will be fully implemented – especially for students navigating social pressures, academic stress or behavioral challenges.

We can’t wait for someone else to fix this. Parents, educators and community members must speak up. Advocate for restored funding, make sure IEPs and 504 plans are being followed, and demand that policymakers understand the real-life consequences of these cuts.

Every voice matters. Every action counts. Supporting mental health and special education in schools doesn’t just help the students who need it most – it strengthens classrooms, supports teachers, and protects the learning environment for every child.

As the school year begins, it’s clear: cuts to mental health and special education programs affect every family in New Hampshire. Parents and students cannot assume the system will uphold IEPs, 504 plans, or other critical supports without active advocacy. To protect learning, mental health and academic success, we must raise our voices and demand the resources our schools and families deserve – before more students fall behind.

Shamecca Brown is a New Hampshire-based columnist who is family-oriented and passionate about serving underserved communities. These articles are being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of GSNC or its partner organizations. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org.

These articles are being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org.