Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Enrollment Counseling topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Former counselor urges restoration of Lowell High enrollment position; committee asks superintendent for report
Summary
Former Lowell High counselor Rosemond Donka told the committee restoring an enrollment counselor is essential, saying she processed more than 465 new enrollments this year; the committee voted to request a report on how counselors' knowledge would be shared if positions move to other schools.
At the May 6 Lowell School Committee meeting, Rosemond Donka, a longtime educator and school counselor, urged the committee to restore the dedicated enrollment counselor position at Lowell High School.
Donka told the committee she processed more than 465 new student enrollments this year and described the enrollment counselor role as "not a luxury, it is vital," saying the position ensures equitable placement, coordinates records and supports families who face language or housing instability.
"Restoring the enrollment counselor position is not just a staffing decision, it's a commitment to equity, efficiency, and excellence," Donka said, adding that without a dedicated staff member the enrollment process can slow, cause incorrect placements and pile work onto other staff.
Member Del Rossi moved that the superintendent report on how Lowell High School enrollment counselors would share knowledge if reassigned to other schools; the committee approved the request by roll call (7 ayes). Superintendent and staff acknowledged the role's operational importance and committed to a written response to the committee's inquiry.
The superintendent placed the response in the committee packet and staff said they would follow up with any details requested by members.
