Elementary professional school counselors; allocate funds under Mississippi Student Funding Formula for.
Impact
If enacted, HB286 will reinforce the framework of the Mississippi State Department of Education's student funding formula by redirecting additional resources towards the employment of professional school counselors. This shift aims to address documented needs within school districts characterized by high incidences of crime, violence, and socioeconomic disadvantage. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy counselor-to-student ratio of 1:500 to ensure adequate support for all students, indicating the state’s recognition of the counselors' essential role in fostering student success and emotional health.
Summary
House Bill 286 aims to amend the Mississippi Code, specifically Section 37-9-79, to allocate funds for employing elementary professional school counselors. The bill mandates each school district to receive sufficient funding to ensure that at least one professional school counselor is appointed in every elementary school by the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative responds to a recognized need for increased support in elementary education, particularly amid rising concerns about student wellbeing and mental health. Funding provisions will continue to grow annually until each elementary school has the mandated staffing levels.
Contention
The discussions surrounding HB286 may spark varied reactions among stakeholders. Proponents, including educators and mental health advocates, are likely to support the increased funding and focus on student availability to professional counselors, perceiving it as a move towards better mental health support within schools. Opponents, however, may voice concerns about the allocation of resources, questioning whether the funds could be utilized more effectively in other areas of education or if they believe the implementation timeline may pose challenges for districts in terms of effectively deploying personnel and resources. Overall, the bill stands as a significant legislative effort to prioritize student mental health and professional support within Mississippi's elementary education system.
This Concurrent Resolution Commends Jaclyn Durant, The 2025 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional Of The Year, And All The District/charter Network Behavioral Health Professionals Of The Year.