Fleming in new admin role, with eye toward LGBTQIA+ inclusion, mental health gains

Though Maureen Fleming has been working at ARPS for the last 22 years, this year her job entails something a little different: she is the Mental Health and Behavioral Administrator for the district.

Her position was announced in an email from former superintendent Michael Morris on August 1, 2023, included in a long list of district initiatives and changes aimed at making schools safer for LGBTQIA+ youth, staff, and families, and improving safety and wellness across the board. 

The district plan was unfurled after allegations of transphobia and bullying at ARMS were revealed in May. 

Morris noted that in the 2023-2024 school year, the district would provide: professional development on LGBTQIA topics for all ARPS staff from the Stonewall Center and Safe Schools Task Force; LGBTQIA+ education and training for students; a streamlined procedure for updating names and pronouns in all schools; labeling on bathrooms to improve student access to restrooms regardless of their gender identity; safety measures and reporting systems for preventing and logging bullying; and a deeper look at disciplinary responses.

Morris also announced that Fleming, a “longtime ARHS School Adjustment Counselor, had accepted the position of Mental Health and Behavioral Administrator “to enhance and expand services to students across the District.” 

He added that the district posted and filled two interim counselor positions, while “specifically seeking candidates with the skill set to effectively be a support for LGBTQIA+ students.” Two guidance counselors remain on leave after allegations of transphobia (and pending the Title IX report); a third did not receive a contract renewal.

One arm of Fleming’s job, Morris said, in the wake of all this, was “to create and support an LGBTQIA+ Family Advocacy Group, modeled after other family affinity groups in the district.”

Fleming sent a follow-up email to parents and guardians over the summer saying she was excited about this position. “It is with immense passion and excitement that I embrace this opportunity to serve our community and make a positive impact on the well-being of our students,” she said. “Mental health and emotional well-being are essential pillars of a thriving educational environment.”

She added that in her new role, she was “wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that every student in our district feels safe, supported, understood, and empowered.”

Fleming told The Graphic she plans to implement various initiatives, including sponsoring awareness campaigns, offering more professional development opportunities for staff, and creating a comprehensive support network for students. She will also be working to “establish partnerships with local mental health providers to expand the range of services available to our students and their families.”

As for the LGBTQ+ Family Advisory group, she hopes it will provide “a safe and inclusive space to connect with other families who share similar experiences” as well as “an opportunity to provide candid feedback and insights, shaping our district’s approach to LGBTQIA+ issues.”

A similar Student Advisory Group for students in grades 7-12 will “provide peer support and guidance for students identifying as non-binary, trans or transitioning.”

Outside of school, Fleming balances her own health and wellness by enjoying kayaking, reading, and walks. 

But the biggest thing for her is nurturing relationships with family and friends. “Time with friends, family, and long-term friendships are a major priority for me,” she said.