During the MPCS board meeting, board members heard from several members of the school counseling team, who introduced themselves and explained the scope of services they provide to students from elementary through high school.
The team emphasized the increasing mental health and social-emotional needs of students. They shared their work in providing tiered supports—including classroom lessons, small group counseling, individual check-ins, and crisis response. Counselors also facilitate behavior interventions like check-in/check-out systems and restorative circles.
A key focus was the ideal counselor-to-student ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association: 250:1. The district is currently exceeding that ratio in some buildings, with some counselors carrying caseloads approaching double the recommended level.
The counselors shared how they’re adapting spaces to meet student needs, sometimes working from libraries or staff lounges due to limited office availability. Despite these challenges, they expressed strong commitment to student well-being and shared success stories of relationship-building and student growth.
The board expressed appreciation for the counseling team’s efforts and acknowledged the importance of their services, especially in light of increasing student needs and limited staffing. No action was taken following the presentations, but the information will lead ongoing discussions about budget priorities and student support for district Counselors.