Minnesota Schools See Impact of Student Support Grants

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Minnesota schools that were able to hire support staff
with $12 million in grant money say they're seeing the impact of having the
additional support.

Almost 80 Minnesota schools were able to hire social workers, counselors, nurses and
psychologists thanks to the grant money given in November.

Counselor Jessalin Karsnia used to split her time between two schools, but is
now full-time at Somerset Elementary School. She says this allows her to teach
lessons on topics like sharing, friendship and anti-bullying once a week in each
classroom. It also makes her available to meet with students any day of the
week.

Fridley previously had no social workers in its district, but the grant allowed
it to hire one at each of its schools.