$1M Grant Backs New School Counselors In Melrose, Stoneham, Wakefield

MELROSE, MA — A trio of new adjustment counselor positions are coming to public schools in Melrose, Stoneham and Wakefield thanks to a $1 million federal grant, the city of Melrose announced last Wednesday.

The grant, dubbed the STOP School Violence grant, comes via the U.S. Department of Justice. New school counselors will work to assist in “violence-related prevention and intervention” work across grade levels. Work will focus on addressing bullying, cyberbullying and the formation of healthy relationships, according to Melrose city officials.

“The well-being of our youth continues to be a top priority and I am grateful to the Department of Justice for their support of our public school students,” Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur said. “While our schools have already made great strides in addressing bullying and have a ‘no-bullying policy’ already in place, I’m excited that this funding will enhance our violence-prevention efforts by working to target school bullying, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students at every grade level.”

Melrose operates a regional Health and Human Services department with Stoneham and Wakefield.

The regional format, officials said last week, allows local public health leaders to apply for larger state and federal grants.

Beyond new counselors, incoming federal money is set to help fund professional development for current teachers and counselors in Melrose, Wakefield and Stoneham around healthy relationships and bullying prevention and intervention.

Upcoming work, officials said, will take place under the umbrella of the newly formed regional School Violence Prevention Coalition.

"Our school staff and administrators are tasked with providing a safe and nurturing space for students in an ever-changing landscape,” Regional Health and Human Services Director Anthony Chui said in a statement. “Our goal is to provide our dedicated school staff and students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a post-pandemic environment.”

Melrose, Stoneham and Wakefield schools are in the process of posting job descriptions for new adjustment counselors, officials said on Wednesday.

Districts will work with regional health officials to find staff, according to last week’s announcement.