School board says chaplain counseling program underway; launch timing depends on procedures and parental releases

Board members at an informal Hernando County School Board meeting on July 29 said a pastor/chaplain counseling program for county schools is in development but not yet ready to launch.

Chair (board chair) told colleagues that she is “spearheading that chaplain program” and that a committee of “around 6” has met and has another meeting scheduled. She said the effort is “underway” but cautioned it requires time to complete legal and operational work before implementation.

Mister Johnson, a board member who asked for an update, said parents and community members have inquired about when the program will start. He noted the issue has been discussed for about a year and said there are “qualified pastors” who could provide crisis counseling.

The chair said the district is drafting procedures aligned with existing volunteer procedures and standard operating procedures. A staff speaker (identified in the meeting as a staff member) said the state adopted a statute on the subject and the district adopted related policy; the remaining work is to finalize local procedures so the program can begin. The chair added that parental releases will be required to address separation of church and state and suggested releases would likely be obtained “per incident.”

No formal date was announced. The chair said she intends to bring final procedures back “for the beginning of the year in August,” subject to completion of the district’s standard operating procedures and legal review.

Board members asked for updates as the process continues; the chair said she will update the board once specifics are finalized.