FERNDALE, WA. – The Ferndale School District will receive nearly $500,000 to improve its behavioral health services.

The Whatcom County Council voted 5-2 on Tuesday, October 10th, to fund the district over the next three school years.

Funding for the services comes from the County’s Behavioral Health sales tax, where reserves are expected to reach just over $9 million by the end of the year.

Councilmember Ben Elenbaas was one of the members who held reservations about the proposal.

“First off, I’m concerned it’s not compliant with the RCW. Second off, I’m not a fan of funding the school districts through the county,” said Elenbaas. “But third, if you read the purpose of the tax, it’s kind of our discretion where we go with it.”

Elenbaas also cited concerns about parents not being involved in decision making, but councilmember Carol Frazey disagreed.

“Those are the kids we really need to work with and help that can’t talk to their parents,” said Frazey.

The agreement includes funding for two mental health professionals in addition to youth-related community outreach initiatives for the Ferndale School District.