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School psychologists say caseloads far above national recommendations; request more staffing
Summary
Division psychologists and diagnosticians told the board they are stretched thin — reporting roughly one psychologist per 1,933 students versus the 1:500 national recommendation — and proposed more hires so staff can spend less time testing and more on preventive counseling, classroom consultation and early‑intervention services.
A team of school psychologists and educational diagnosticians told trustees that current staffing levels limit the division’s ability to provide preventive mental‑health services and classroom‑level interventions.
Tamara Feilstore, coordinator of school psychological services, and colleagues described a team that includes 12.5 full‑time school psychologists and 4.5 educational diagnosticians serving 32 district schools. The presenters cited national and state benchmarks (national recommendation ~1:500, Virginia specialist grouping ~1:1,000) and reported that Spotsylvania’s ratio is far higher, approximately 1:1,933 as presented at the meeting.
The diagnosticians said they completed 806 evaluations last year, and psychologists reported completing 458 initial special‑education evaluations in 2024–25. Presenters noted the time intensity of evaluations (an individual evaluation can take 20+ hours for psychologists) and said that evaluation workloads reduce the time available for direct counseling and classroom consultation.
“On a lucky week maybe 5% of our time is in mental‑health supports,” one presenter said, adding that with more staff the team could offer small groups, individual therapy, prevention programs on executive functioning and broader professional development for teachers and parents.
Board members asked about recruitment, timelines for adding positions, service models that could expand virtual counseling, and whether diagnosticians could take on additional testing responsibilities. Presenters said Virginia produces a steady stream of interns and that virtual providers can expand capacity for some counseling services.
The presentation did not include an immediate budget vote, but trustees were encouraged to consider additional positions during the FY27 budget cycle.
