Preparing for CYBHI (Step 5 of 9): Keep Your Board in the Loop
Welcome back to our blog series, 9 Steps for School Districts to Prepare for CYBHI. In our last post, we discussed how to get a head start on paperwork. Today, we’re focusing on an equally critical piece of the puzzle: bringing your school board into the fold early and often.
When it comes to CYBHI implementation, your board of education plays a vital role. They are not only key decision-makers but also influential stakeholders who can either accelerate or delay the pace of progress. That’s why it’s essential to keep them in the loop from the very beginning.
Why Board Engagement Matters
CYBHI represents a new way of thinking: reimbursing schools for the mental health services they’re already providing to students. But with any new initiative, there’s bound to be confusion, questions, and even skepticism. School boards need clarity on:
- Where the money coming from
- What it can be used for
- How it impacts staff, students, and district operations
They’re also often fielding concerns from their communities, so giving them the tools and language to talk about CYBHI confidently is crucial.
What to Emphasize in Your Board Communications
To gain their full support, your messaging to the board should be clear, practical, and student-focused. Here are a few key points to drive home:
- CYBHI funds help scale student mental health services through reimbursement, not new out-of-pocket costs.
- Reimbursements are faster than other state programs like LEA BOP or SMAA, making it a sustainable way to invest in school wellness.
- This initiative supports, not replaces, existing staff and programs, helping districts retain, resource, and expand school-based care teams.
Addressing Staff Sentiment with Transparency
We’ve heard time and time again: school staff, the ones doing the work, don’t always feel included in these decisions. They’re being asked to adopt new processes without knowing how it benefits them directly. Directors and administrators should work closely with board members to communicate not just the what of CYBHI, but the why.
Encourage board members to support strategies that:
- Give “doers” a seat at the table from the start
- Provide clarity on how CYBHI funds will improve materials, staffing, or office space
- Reassure staff that CYBHI is not an added burden without reward but a way to invest in their work and well-being
Tad Tip: Equip Your Board with the Right Messaging
TadHealth works with districts to provide board-friendly overviews, presentations, and data that help explain CYBHI in plain language. We know that your board wants to do what’s best for students and staff. Our job is to give them the information they need to say “yes” with confidence.
By engaging your board early, you’re setting up your district for smoother implementation, stronger internal alignment, and ultimately, greater success with CYBHI.
Need help bringing your board on board? We can help you frame the conversation and create the materials that make sense for your leadership team.
📅 Book a consultation today: calendly.com/cybhi
Stay tuned for Step 6: Registering All Internal & External Providers
