Peoria Unified studies licensure requirement for school social workers amid concerns about scope, funding and timelines

Peoria — Peoria Unified School District officials laid out the professional licensure routes and practical implications for school social workers and school mental health counselors at a Feb. 13 study session, describing multi‑step state requirements, potential costs and a tight timeline that could affect positions funded by a five‑year school safety grant.

The superintendent, Dr. Kevin Summers, and Chief Student Services Officer Jason Nuttall introduced district staff who explained current roles and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners’ licensure processes. Shannon Threadgill and Nicole Gee summarized that initial licensure requires a master’s degree and a passing score on a national exam; clinical‑level licenses require two years of supervised clinical hours and additional testing. “The credentialist reviews each application by date submitted. All applications take 90 days up to 270 days for review,” Threadgill said of the Board’s timeline.

Why it matters: The district holds positions funded by a School Safety Program grant that expires in 2026. Several board members said they want any new district policy to comply with state law and not expose the district to liability (Board member Clark Tobey asked for legal review). Board members also…