Danna Bross, Lawton Public Schools’ assistant director of mental health services, has been named to a state committee dedicated to ensuring Oklahoma public school students have access to quality mental health care.
Bross is one of eight members selected from across the state to participate in the Staying the Course: Building ECHO Networks for School Behavioral Health initiative. In addition to her district leadership role, Bross serves as LPS’ Project AWARE grant manager.
Her selection also designates Lawton Public Schools as a partner district in the statewide initiative — a recognition of the district’s continued commitment to building effective and sustainable school behavioral health systems.
“Lawton Public Schools’ participation reflects the district’s dedication to strengthening school-based mental health supports,” said Rachael Hernandez, School-Based Mental Health Program manager for the Oklahoma State Department of Health. “This initiative positions LPS as a model for collaboration among state, district and school leadership.”
As part of the initiative, Bross selected two district leaders to serve alongside her as the LPS team: Victoria Zelbst, AWARE Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) specialist and a MTSS consultant and Andrea Tracy, head principal at MacArthur High School who implements the MTSS framework in her leadership and school.
Bross said the initiative will allow LPS to continue strengthening existing programs that address student mental health while also serving as a model for other districts across Oklahoma.
“It’s hard to learn and concentrate when your basic needs are not being met,” Bross said. “Addressing student health concerns is essential to academic success.”
According to experts, approximately one in five students experiences a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder. Bross emphasized that early support and intervention are critical components of student success.
Lawton Public Schools currently operates a comprehensive wellness program that includes four Licensed Mental Health Counselors who provide one-on-one therapy, group counseling sessions and crisis support. In addition, three school-based family liaisons serve as case managers for students and families, offering additional layers of assistance and connection to resources.
“Our Licensed Mental Health Counselors are exceptional therapists who provide students with individualized therapy, group counseling and crisis support,” Bross said. “Our family liaisons also play a vital role in supporting students and families.”
Through participation in the Building ECHO Networks initiative, Bross said she hopes to expand those services and bring additional evidence-based, action-oriented strategies back to the district. These services will remain free to students and families.
The appointment is a four-year commitment that includes monthly meetings with the state team and continued implementation work at the local level.
Bross noted that Lawton students already benefit from having an established wellness program — something not all districts can claim.
“Not all school districts have mental health wellness programs. I feel very fortunate that these services are offered to our students,” she said. “We have a district that believes in student wellness, and the continued support of the district will allow us to grow as a program and continue to serve our students and families. This initiative will help create a framework for what a strong, statewide program can look like.”