School Board approves guidance counselor position amid hiring challenges in Wyoming

The Weston County School District #1 Board of Trustees meeting on April 9, 2025, highlighted pressing concerns about student wellness and staffing shortages in the district. A key discussion point was the potential certification of a new high school guidance counselor, Andrea Gregory, which could significantly impact student health services for the remainder of the school year.

Trustees expressed optimism about securing grant funding to support student wellness initiatives, emphasizing the importance of addressing health issues within the student body. The board moved to approve Gregory's hiring, pending certification, with a start date set for August. However, concerns were raised about the limited applicant pool for certified positions, with only one candidate applying for the guidance counselor role after a 15-day advertisement period.

Superintendent Paul noted a troubling trend, predicting a significant number of vacancies in guidance counseling and other non-teaching certified positions across Wyoming and nationally. He warned that this shortage could leave many students without essential services, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

In a related discussion, student representative Taylor Bistrom addressed the need for open conversations about district spending and resource allocation. Bistrom pointed out that community members are becoming more aware of the costs associated with various services, urging transparency in discussions about funding priorities, particularly in relation to essential services like emergency medical services versus recreational facilities.

The meeting underscored the critical need for effective staffing solutions and community engagement in addressing the challenges facing Weston County schools. As the board moves forward, the implications of these discussions will be closely monitored, especially regarding the availability of support services for students in the upcoming school year.