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Senate recognizes role of school-based mental health professionals and notes staffing shortages
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40, recognizing school-based mental health professionals, was presented on the floor with several associations and practitioners in attendance. Senators praised the work of counselors, psychologists and social workers and cited recruitment and retention challenges.
The Delaware Senate on March 27 read a resolution acknowledging the role of school-based mental health professionals and recognized practitioners who were in the gallery.
Senator Sturgeon, speaking in connection with Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40, said the measure "recognizes the critical role of school-based mental health professionals in supporting the well-being and academic achievement of Delaware students." She noted these professionals provide early identification of mental-health problems, connect students to resources and help improve attendance and discipline outcomes.
The resolution was accompanied by multiple classroom and association representatives present in the chamber: Nicole Garrity and Rosa DiPiazza of the Delaware Association of School Psychologists, Kristin Nye of the Delaware School Counselors Association, and Nicole Stokes for school social workers. Senator Lawson highlighted Lake Forest Middle School—s SAFIRE Award and mentioned a target ratio "2 50 per counselor" on the floor, which was stated as "250 per counselor" in the remarks.
Nut graf: Senators used the recognition to spotlight shortages in recruiting and retaining school counselors, psychologists and social workers and to thank practitioners for their everyday work in Delaware schools.
Ending: The resolution was presented as part of the consent calendar and recognized with other concurrent resolutions; staff and advocates in the gallery were asked to stand and be acknowledged.
