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Staff and counselors warn district cuts will widen student mental-health gaps
Summary
Counselors, a counselor-on-assignment and a social worker told the board that proposed staffing reductions risked student safety and continuity of care; speakers cited 729 suicide screenings and urged that counseling positions be prioritized in budget restorations.
Sam Runckel, a counselor at Gresham High School, and Karen Harshfield, a Counselor on Special Assignment, testified that recent budget reductions to counseling staff would increase student-to-counselor ratios and harm students in crisis. "We have faced 729 suicide screenings, with the highest percentage from 5th graders," Harshfield said, warning that cuts would create staffing inequities and compound student struggles.
Social worker Ali Appleton urged the board to examine declining enrollment and the human causes behind it, stressing equity and the district's duty to sustain supports. Speakers recommended that if unexpected funds or grants materialize during the year, counseling positions should be restored first. Chair Blake Petersen acknowledged the testimony and said the board would consider the comments during the business meeting under budget adoption.
