District presents K–12 counseling plan aligned to ASCA model, begins Year 1 rollout

At the Feb. 24 meeting, Doctor Stacy Knowhol, the district’s director of school counseling and social work, briefed the board on a new comprehensive K–12 counseling plan that the district is rolling out in 2025–26.

Knowhol said the plan aligns with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model and includes four core components—defining roles, managing services, delivery (counseling, instruction, collaboration) and assessment. The district plan is organized into six sections: mission and vision; goals; K–12 curriculum; service delivery; calendar and annual goals; and program assessment.

Knowhol emphasized equity and consistency across campuses: “It creates a plan where students, regardless to the campus that they’re enrolled at, are receiving similar services,” she said. She described Year 1 as an intentional implementation year focused on shared language, gap documentation, staff professional development and collecting feedback from building staff to address barriers to a full districtwide rollout in Year 2.

Board members asked about high school implementation and supports for students failing courses. Knowhol said the Choices 360 tool is in use for career artifacts and that counselors are expected to meet with students failing courses at the end of each quarter to plan interventions.

The presentation signals the district’s effort to standardize counseling services and to pursue measurable outcomes; Knowhol also said the district may explore ASCA’s RAMP recognition in the future for programs that meet ASCA criteria.