District to temporarily convert guidance division chair role to counseling department manager

The Curriculum and Finance and Personnel committees were briefed on a temporary staffing change in the high school counseling structure that the district will present to the full board.

Dr. Ballard, board member, said the district recommends reverting from the current division chair model for guidance back to a counseling department manager on a temporary basis. "It is the recommendation, at this time that we move forward to move back to the bridal, temporarily to, appoint a counseling department manager who would take on oversight responsibilities with a smaller caseload, with additional per diem days, but without administrative duties, such as evaluations," Ballard said.

Ballard said the role was originally created three years ago to replace a model in which a counselor with a reduced caseload served as the department manager. The person who last served in the role was promoted to director of college and career readiness, and the district has not yet identified a suitable administrative replacement for the upcoming school year.

Under the temporary plan, the district would fill the duties by assigning an additional counselor with a reduced caseload and additional per diem days rather than hiring an administrative-level replacement; Ballard said this approach would produce a cost savings for the year. Ballard and staff clarified the district will not proceed with a permanent change until the full board meets. A board meeting on Aug. 18 was cited as the next formal opportunity for board action; staff member Nikkita Stewart will provide interim support.

No formal vote was taken in the committee; the matter was described as a recommendation to the full board.