The gym at Martin Middle School was filled with energy as community members, students, and school staff came together in late May to celebrate the start of important construction projects aimed at revitalizing the East Austin campus.
Among these projects is a dedicated mental health center designed to provide crucial support to students right where they are.
Amanda Toohey, Austin ISD’s administrative supervisor for mental health and crisis management, emphasized the importance of integrating therapeutic support within the school environment.
Principal Edna Cortinas remarked on the upcoming renovations, describing them as a significant “new chapter” for the school.
“I’m really excited because it’s a long time coming,” she stated, highlighting the school’s unique qualities despite its smaller size.
Austin ISD plans to allocate over $61 million from the $2.44 billion school bond package approved by voters in 2022 for improvements at Martin Middle School.
Notably, these bond funds are designated specifically for capital projects and cannot be used for operating costs, such as staff salaries, amid the district’s ongoing multimillion-dollar budget deficit.
The funds will be invested in multiple upgrades, including essential electrical and plumbing improvements, a secure entry vestibule to enhance safety, and the introduction of new electronic devices for both students and employees.
The mental health center is part of a broader initiative, as Austin ISD is establishing over 50 similar facilities on its campuses thanks to the 2022 bond.
Superintendent Matias Segura emphasized the critical emphasis on integrating mental health spaces into all schools, with some being added through renovations and others built into larger construction projects.
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights a troubling trend: youth mental health has significantly deteriorated over the past decade.
The report underscores the essential role schools play in addressing mental health concerns, noting their ability to reach a wide audience of students.
Toohey explained the approach behind designing new mental health spaces, indicating they will enhance the existing work of school counselors.
These spaces are crafted to provide a safe, calm, and developmentally appropriate atmosphere, which is crucial for fostering an effective counseling and therapeutic process.
With the establishment of dedicated mental health facilities, the district aims to eliminate barriers that students may face when seeking assistance, such as costs or transportation issues.
“We’re ensuring that we have more equitable access to the services, but we’re also overall improving academic outcomes,” Toohey stated.
When students feel safe, supported, and emotionally well, they are more likely to engage in their learning and ultimately achieve success in school.
image source from：https://www.kut.org/education/2025-06-04/austin-tx-martin-middle-school-student-mental-health-bond-money
