Missouri senators hear testimony on bills that would allow school chaplains in public schools

A Missouri Senate committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 49 and Senate Bill 118 that would authorize public school districts and public charter schools to employ or accept volunteer chaplains.

Senator Rusty Black, a sponsor, told the committee the proposals are voluntary and meant to provide students and staff with an additional, private source of support. “School chaplains offer an opportunity for students and really the faculty to have somebody that they can talk to that talks and listens … with real care,” said Senator Rusty Black, Senator, who said the position would be left to local school districts to adopt.

The bills, introduced by Senator Rusty Black and Senator Mike Moon, would allow districts to authorize paid or volunteer chaplains and — as presenters described it during the hearing — anticipate an 80‑hour training standard (witnesses said that training is part of chaplain certification used by some programs). Senator Mike Moon said the position could be paid at a district’s discretion and described chaplains as providing “emotional support” and “encouragement” to students and staff.

Supporters, including witnesses from the National School Chaplain Association, testified the program would fill gaps left by shortages of licensed counselors and wraparound services. Johnny Davis, chief development officer for the National School Chaplain…