Parent tells Harrisburg board guidance counselor failed to secure college supports for senior; administration to present plan

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A parent in public comment on April 8 told the Harrisburg City School District board she had repeatedly sought help from her son's guidance counselor and had not received timely assistance with scholarship searches and postsecondary planning.

Shannon Wade said her son, who attends the district's Google Academy, was accepted to Cheney but had ‘‘absolutely nothing’’ in scholarship resources and that district staff began outreach about scholarships only a few months before graduation. ‘‘One of the roles of guidance counselors is to monitor students' progress to all graduation requirements and work with those who face problems with sufficient credit,’’ Wade said. She added that much of the support her son received had been arranged by her or by outside programs, not the counselor.

Board members and the superintendent acknowledged the concern and described steps to improve supports. Superintendent Dr. Henry said administrators are assembling a plan for senior supports and for a college night that will clearly state dates and resources and that she will present a plan to the community. Board members noted prior partnerships — including visits from representatives of Penn State Harrisburg to help with applications — and urged the district to re-establish or expand those offerings.

Other board members suggested tapping proven community resources. A speaker at the meeting recommended revisiting a program run previously by Phoebe Stokes, who worked one-on-one with students and helped secure application-fee waivers and scholarships.

No formal board action was taken during public comment. Administration said it would follow up with the parent and provide a timeline for a plan to be presented to the community.