Douglas School District has recently made a significant step towards enhancing the well-being of its faculty by approving a comprehensive Wellness Program. This initiative aims to address and improve the mental, emotional, and physical health of all staff members and is set to officially launch in January 2025.
Andy Koenigs, an Account Executive at IMA Financial Group who assisted in the program’s development, stated, ‘It may be that you guys will be almost a showcase for other South Dakota schools looking to implement wellness programs.’ His remarks highlight Douglas’s proactive stance in addressing wellness, especially in light of increasing mental health challenges faced by educators nationwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified mental health struggles among school personnel. According to a 2022 Gallup Poll, 44% of K-12 teachers reported feeling burned out at work, a trend that signals a pressing need for supportive measures in educational environments.
To develop the program, Jade Temple, the district’s communications coordinator, engaged staff members to identify their priorities concerning mental and physical wellness. The feedback gathered played a crucial role in shaping the final wellness plan, which includes access to counselors, the wellness app platform Well365, discounts for gym memberships, and personalized support from registered nurses.
Temple emphasized that the program is designed to not only enhance physical health but also significantly support mental health. Participants will have access to up to four hours of therapy or counseling each year under their health plans, with plans soon to include spouses and dependents.
In addition to counseling services, the initiative will feature monthly challenges and incentives aimed at increasing staff engagement. Funding for the program will be sourced from the district’s general budget, with an initial investment of $22,000 projected for the first six months.
‘I really look forward to seeing how this goes in the spring and then next year,’ Koenigs remarked, anticipating the positive impact this program will have on the staff and the broader school community.
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