Board declines proposed counselor staffing cuts after trustees warn of student impact

Trustees considered administration’s recommendation to align secondary counseling staff to a 1:350 counselor‑to‑student ratio and related proposals to alter administrative allocations at secondary campuses. After an extended discussion that included research citations from staff and multiple public comments expressing concern for student mental‑health coverage and campus safety, the board rejected the counselor reduction motion by a 6–1 vote.

Administration presented the recommended TASB staffing models and noted that categorical funds (Title and Comp Ed) can be used to purchase counseling services where needed. Trustees who opposed the reduction said categorical funds are not an equivalent substitute to a school counselor’s duties and that assistant principals carry out federally required activities (testing coordination, ARD/LPAC facilitation, threat assessment documentation) that cannot be outsourced.

Some board members argued for a model approach: use ratios as a planning tool but allow the superintendent and principals to adjust allocations where special campus needs demand additional counselors or administrative coverage. No change to assistant principal staffing was approved; trustees indicated they will ask administration to return with further right‑sizing analyses.

Ending The board directed administration to return with precise staffing scenarios and the effect on the budget; several trustees asked for a detailed list of grant/categorical funding currently used to support counselors and social‑emotional services.