NV board renews master social worker contract

Among action taken by the Nodaway Valley school board on Wednesday, May 11 at the high school media center was the renewal of a master social worker agreement with Green Hills AEA.

The measure comes with a slight increase on this year’s cost. The cost this year is anticipated to be $32,673.64. Next year, it is projected to be $43,751.76.

The social worker works at Nodaway Valley two days each week. They provide services to eight to 10 students who are referred to them for services. Parents must give consent before services are rendered.

“If they don’t sign off we don’t serve them [in that way],” Croghan said. “We allow the services to be done at school in a private location. This program is for any K-12 student based on need.”

Croghan told the board the pay for the social worker is based on the number of days of services the district receives.

Administrators in the district meet regularly to identify students who may be able to benefit from the social worker’s services.

“The process was learned this year,” Croghan said. “I think it’s very beneficial and we’ll continue it next year.”

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds will cover these services, with possible helping coming from dropout prevention dollars, if needed.