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SMCPS outlines staffing gaps for counselors, psychologists and social workers as grants sunset
Summary
District staff told the board that counselors, psychologists, PPWs and school social workers fall short of national recommendations; grants that funded many positions are ending and the district estimated multimillion‑dollar needs to meet recommended ratios.
District staff presented a staffing overview on March 4 that quantified shortfalls across multiple student‑services roles and described the budget implications as grant funding sunsets.
Director of Student Services Mr. Drenza (speaker 14) said the district currently has 48 counselors (an average of one counselor per 393 elementary students) and estimated SMCPS would need 18 additional counselors at a recurring cost of about $1,800,000 to reach the American School Counselor Association’s recommended 1:250 ratio. He said pupil personnel workers (PPWs) are roughly within the recommended 1:2,000 ratio on…
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