During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the state of school counseling in the district as the new school year approaches. With classes set to begin on September 3rd, school counselors highlighted the urgent need for a new contract that addresses critical issues impacting both students and staff.

Counselors expressed alarm over proposed increases in student caseloads, which they believe could compromise the safety and stability of the school environment. The current workload includes inappropriate tasks that detract from their primary responsibilities, such as coordinating testing programs and covering classes during teacher absences. These additional duties are seen as detrimental to maintaining a supportive atmosphere for students.

The discussion also referenced two important legislative measures passed in Washington State—Senate Bill 5030 and House Bill 1664. Senate Bill 5030 mandates the development of comprehensive counseling programs, aiming for counselors to spend 80% of their time on direct student services. However, counselors reported that they have yet to achieve this goal, despite an increase in staffing to 16.6 counselors last year.

House Bill 1664 is designed to enhance funding for school counselors, with new ratios set for student-to-counselor allocations. For elementary schools, the ratio is now 1 counselor for every 403 students, which could potentially allow for 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in the district—9 more than currently staffed. However, counselors noted that many are still managing caseloads exceeding 700 students, with some working across multiple buildings.

The meeting underscored the pressing mental health needs of students, with over 750 mental health referrals made last year, highlighting the necessity for adequate support systems. Counselors urged the district to clarify plans for addressing these needs and to empower the bargaining team to negotiate a contract that resolves these pressing issues.

As the school year looms, the call for action is clear: the district must prioritize the well-being of its students and staff by addressing the challenges faced by school counselors.