Parents and SHAC debate separating counseling opt-out from college-and-career activities in Keller ISD

Keller ISD's School Health Advisory Council discussed whether to split the district's counseling opt-out form so parents can decline classroom counseling content while allowing students to take part in college- and career-readiness activities.

"So when a parent opts to elect their child, their student, out of counseling, they're opting them out of all of the scope right now," Summer Crowe, chair of Keller ISD SHAC, said at the May 12 meeting. Crowe reported that 615 students were opted out of counseling services this school year; of those she said middle schools accounted for 219 students and high schools accounted for 396.

Why it matters: SHAC members said the current single opt-out can prevent students from participating in activities such as career days, individual scheduling conversations and other College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) activities. Parents, counselors and trustees argued the district should consider a separate opt-out for classroom/social-emotional content while preserving access to postsecondary planning and scheduling services.

Current form and proposed change: Crowe summarized counseling competencies covered by the existing opt-out: intrapersonal effectiveness, interpersonal effectiveness, personal health and safety, and postsecondary planning and career readiness. Parents at the meeting said they want the option to opt out of the first three competencies while still allowing their children to receive CCMR-related services and attend career-day events.

Meeting discussion: Parents and attendees described real examples. One parent said a sixth grader who had been opted out did not participate in a fifth/sixth-grade career-day activity. Another attendee, who identified themselves as having supported a foster student with significant behavioral health needs, said separating the forms would have allowed that student to receive CCMR services while keeping clinical counseling outside of school staff scope.

Administrative concerns and next steps: SHAC members raised practical questions about implementation and recordkeeping, including whether two opt-out lists would increase administrative burden and how the district currently applies opt-outs for classroom activities versus individual counseling. Jennifer (staff) and other district staff explained that some permissions (photographs, directory release) are handled at registration while other permissions (puberty education, specific courses) are managed per enrolled class or event.

No formal vote was taken; SHAC members asked staff to research Education Code implications and administrative feasibility. Crowe said she will include the discussion and community feedback in a written report to the board of trustees. Meeting participants suggested a third option or revised language could be developed after staff review of statutory obligations and operational constraints.

Discussion vs. decision: The conversation was advisory. SHAC did not adopt a formal recommendation; members signaled community interest in separating the opt-out but asked staff to confirm legal and operational limits before any change.

Ending: Crowe said SHAC will collect the meeting feedback and that trustees and district staff will consider the input. Staff and SHAC volunteers agreed to follow up with research on how opt-outs are applied in practice and whether a split form or alternate wording is feasible.