Board takes first reading on student support services policy that clarifies counseling access for students 12 and older

The District 58 Board on July 14 approved a set of policy updates (press issue 118) and placed policy 7:250, student support services, on first reading after review with district counsel. Board members and administrators discussed whether the policy language met state requirements and how it would be operationalized in schools. The updated language affirms that students age 12 or older who present in crisis can receive immediate counseling without prior parental consent — a provision the district attorney reviewed to ensure compliance with Illinois requirements — while preserving the district’s ability to notify and involve parents promptly. The Board’s policy chair said, “That does not mean that their parents would not be looped in and then be part of it, moving forward,” clarifying that immediate support does not preclude parent involvement. Board members asked how students would be informed; administrators said the provision will be added to student handbooks and covered during middle-school opening sessions and principal meetings with students. Press issue 118, a separate set of policy updates reviewed by the policy committee, was approved for final adoption as presented. The policy committee also plans an August meeting to consider a cell-phone procedure tied to existing policy. Why this matters: the first-reading action updates how students in crisis can access support during the school day and affects procedures for staff response and parent notification. What’s next: policy 7:250 will return to the Board for a final vote after the required reading period; administration will include the counseling access language in student handbooks and opening presentations to middle-school students.