When the Herrin Unit 4 School District secured a rare and transformative federal grant to improve its community schools, it wasn’t just a win for the district—it was a win for the entire community. And at the heart of this mission are three women who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work: Valerie Clodi, Tracey Elliott, and Heather Miller. Together, they’re harnessing the power of the Full-Service Community Schools Grant to bring positive change to students, families, and the greater Herrin area.

"It’s a big deal," says Valerie Clodi, who serves as the director of this ambitious initiative. And she’s not exaggerating. The district is receiving $1 million per year for the next five years through this grant, which will focus on four key pillars: mental health, career pathways, expanded learning opportunities, and community engagement.

"We’re really excited to see what we can accomplish," Valerie says, her enthusiasm evident. "We’re working to address so many aspects of our students’ lives—both inside and outside of school."

The Full-Service Community Schools Grant is a game-changer for our district, but also for Southern Illinois. Herrin is one of only two districts in the State of Illinois to have received this type of funding, the other being Du Quoin. This kind of support is rare, and the stakes are high. The team’s goal is to meet students and their families where they are, offering a wraparound service that addresses their needs holistically.

TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH WITH EMPATHY AND EXPERTISE

Tracey Elliott, one of the key team members, focuses on the mental health side of the program. With a background in social work, Tracey is well-prepared to help students and families navigate their challenges. "Any child with a mental health need will be referred to one of our outreach advocates," Tracey explains. "We’re not just addressing their school needs—we’re looking at the whole child, including their emotional well-being."

In her role, Tracey also works with students transitioning back into school after hospitalization for mental health treatment. "We make sure that their return is as smooth as possible," she says. "We coordinate with administrators, teachers, and social workers to ensure that these kids don’t face any more disruption than necessary."

This level of care goes beyond the classroom, reaching into the home. Whether it’s providing clothing, school supplies, or simply emotional support, Tracey’s team is there to assist every step of the way.

PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Heather Miller, with her background in child welfare, disaster management, and trauma counseling, brings a unique skill set to the team. Her role? Safety. "We want our schools to be as prepared as possible for anything that might happen," Heather explains.

One of the initiatives Heather has spearheaded is the creation of "red bags" for each classroom—emergency kits stocked with supplies like duct tape, first aid materials, and even hard candy for those who need a quick sugar boost. "We’re also adding AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) to the schools," she says. "We’re going from one per building to as many as six."

Her focus on safety extends beyond the red bags. Heather is working to ensure that staff members are trained in everything from CPR to recognizing the warning signs of mental health crises. "We’re not just checking boxes here," she adds. "This is about creating a culture of safety and care for everyone in the school."

BUILDING CAREER PATHWAYS AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

While mental health and safety are key components of the grant, there’s also a strong emphasis on career pathways and community engagement. "We’re not just focused on what happens in school," Valerie explains. "We’re thinking about the long-term success of our students and how we can help them build bright futures."

Career pathways, one of the grant’s pillars, focus on giving students the tools and resources they need to explore different career options. "We’re purchasing $50,000 in construction equipment, for example," Valerie says. "We want students to be able to see and touch these pathways. We’re not just talking about jobs—we’re showing them how they can succeed."

The team is also committed to making sure the Herrin community stays involved. "We’re working with the chamber of commerce, the mayor’s office, and local businesses," Valerie says. "The goal is to create a true wraparound service that brings everyone together."

A FUTURE BUILT TOGETHER

The team’s efforts don’t stop with the students. They’re equally focused on the families and community at large. "We’re doing a needs assessment of the community," Tracey says. "We want to make sure we’re addressing what people feel they need—not just what we think they need."

Heather agrees, adding that the community’s engagement is essential to the program’s success. "This is bigger than just the schools," she says. "We’re working to lift up the entire community."

This grant isn’t just a lifeline for the students—it’s a beacon of hope for the community. And with leaders like Valerie, Tracey, and Heather at the helm, the community has every reason to feel confident in the work that’s being done on its behalf.

"We’re here to make a difference," Valerie says. "And we’re just getting started."