The Forest Hills Board of Education renewed a free mental health services agreement covering all six district elementary schools.

The board approved the deal with Necco LLC at its Sept. 16 meeting at Mercer Elementary School. The agreement continues a partnership the district launched for the 2025-2026 school year. Necco therapists work inside the schools with youth and families. The program uses an open referral model requiring parent or guardian approval, and families use their own health insurance to cover treatment, according to the district. The district pays nothing.

The board also honored two retiring central office employees with a combined 55 years of service. Superintendent Suzanna Davis and Treasurer Alana Cropper recognized Jodie McKinley, executive assistant to the superintendent, and Jeanne Ralston, administrative assistant to the treasurer, according to the district's meeting recap.

McKinley started as a media secretary at Nagel Middle School before moving to central office, where she supported multiple schools and departments. Ralston began in the transportation department and finished her career in the treasurer's office. Cropper had already thanked Ralston at the Aug. 19 board meeting.

McKinley will also be honored as the Forest Hills Foundation for Education's 2026 Distinguished Staff honoree at the foundation's annual dinner Thursday, Oct. 1, at Ivy Hills Country Club.

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni honorees will be recognized at the same event and again during the Anderson vs. Turpin football game Friday, Oct. 2.

In other business, the board approved Jacie Simon as the district's new assistant treasurer. Simon previously served as an accounting specialist with the district, overseeing federal grants and supporting business operations.

Davis presented a "State of Forest Hills" report highlighting the district's five-star Ohio School Report Card rating alongside challenges including gradually declining enrollment and growing financial pressures. Board members also discussed the Turpin pool situation, digital safety, the district's artificial intelligence (AI) working group and IDEA funding resources.

The Forest Hills Foundation for Education reported raising more than $640,000 in the previous school year. Honorees from both Anderson and Turpin high schools will receive recognition at the Oct. 2 football game.