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Committee presses district on psychologist shortages and recruitment strategies
Summary
Members raised concern about shortages of school psychologists and counselors; a school psychologist in the meeting cited an estimated student‑to‑psychologist ratio of about 2,100:1 locally and asked staff to pursue recruitment strategies and partnerships.
Committee members pressed the district about gaps in school‑psychologist staffing and asked what systemic strategies (loan forgiveness, different pay scales, housing support) might attract clinicians. A school‑psychologist attendee noted recommended ratios (national guidance around 500:1; Maryland guidance near 1,000:1) and said Calvert’s current local figure is closer to 2,100:1.
Lewis acknowledged recruiting and retention challenges — citing salary, regional competition and housing costs — and noted district efforts: targeted recruitment at national conferences, internship pipelines (which historically did not always lead to retained hires) and human‑resources efforts to explore incentives. Staff said they would continue outreach and report back on possible solutions and recruitment results.
