Getting the most out of one's education can be especially challenging if a student is facing mental health issues or emotional stress.

We agree with Jeff Roberts, Seneca Valley School District's director of special services, telling the school board this week that he recommended a program to help students with their mental health needs.

Roberts recommended Care Solace, a firm that connects students in need of mental health services with an appropriate counselor or organization within the district or community.

While we'd have to take Roberts' word that Care Solace is the right organization for the job, we think it's good that the company is available seven days a week, 24 hours per day year-round, and that it can match students with services or counselors within 72 hours, although a connection is often made overnight.

These days, students face a lot of stress. In Butler County school districts, there have been several threats of violence at specific schools that, thankfully, never came to fruition or were found to not be legitimate.

In Seneca Valley, two teenage students recently died by suicide, which was what prompted Roberts to promise the school board at its meeting last month that the school district would ramp up its mental health service options.

And for the past two years, the coronavirus pandemic has led to isolation for many students; disruption to classes, sports and after-school activities; a loss of the sense of normalcy; and added stress for students.

Needless to say, a system that makes it easier for students in this school district — or any other in the county — to obtain mental health services is certainly welcome.

"We need to make sure the kids are sheltered and safe and fed before we can address their academic needs," Roberts told the board Monday.

He's right. Students face enough pressure — whether it's performing well in school or fitting in with their peers — during the school day, and recent events have made doing so that much harder.

Students who are struggling with mental health issues amid these added stressors could be having a harder time than usual in achieving their goals.

We're glad to see the school district taking this seriously, and hope the board votes soon to move forward with selecting an organization to meet these needs.

— NCD