The law took effect in July. Meeting its requirements could cost Anne Arundel County Public Schools an additional $7 million a year starting in fiscal 2027 and require 55 more therapists, according to district estimates. St. Mary’s County schools would need 25 additional therapists and $2.9 million annually. Frederick County estimates it would need $10 million more each year to place a full-time therapist in every school.

The staffing challenge comes as student mental health needs remain elevated. More than 30% of Maryland high school students have reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks since rates peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Maryland schools averaged one counselor for every 309 students; the American School Counselor Association recommends one counselor for every 250.

The state’s new therapist requirement is separate from that counselor-to-student benchmark. In June, the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission announced $96.3 million in grants to expand behavioral health services in public schools.

Among 66 school board candidates who responded to a campaign questionnaire, 45 said schools need more mental health resources, while eight said their districts had enough. Candidates broadly supported student mental health services, but differed over whether schools need more staff and funding, stronger partnerships with families, or clearer limits on schools’ role.

“Our district should treat student mental health as essential to learning, safety and long-term success,” said Sharyn Yuloff, a school board candidate in Somerset County.

Frederick County board member Rae Gallagher, who is seeking reelection, said existing staff and resources are not enough to meet students’ growing needs. Additional support, she said, would require new or redirected funding, which may be difficult amid tight state and local budgets.

In Baltimore County, candidate Lisa Mack said changes that shortened school psychologists’ contracts from 12 months to 10 reduced their pay and contributed to departures. She said retaining psychologists, counselors and nurses is important to ensuring students can access help.

Other candidates stressed that schools should work with, rather than replace, parents and outside providers. Cecil County candidate Dominick Mannella Jr. said families must be involved and that schools cannot manage every aspect of student mental health on their own.

Carroll County candidate Shannon Hinkhaus said schools should identify concerns and connect families with services while keeping education at the center of their work. She called for reviewing existing programs, finding gaps and working with families and community providers to address them.

The funding and staffing questions come as districts begin putting the statewide mandate into practice. Candidates’ comments point to a central local challenge: expanding access to care while deciding how costs, responsibilities and support should be shared among schools, families and community providers.