Authorize a school district to hire a chaplain to perform the duties of a school counselor without a certificate issued by the Commissioner of Education
Impact
If enacted, LB1065 will create a pathway for chaplains to fulfill the roles typically reserved for licensed school counselors, which may influence hiring practices within education systems. The bill highlights the state’s approach to addressing mental health by diversifying the sources of support available to students in educational settings. However, it raises questions regarding the qualifications and training required for such positions, especially in handling sensitive issues that necessitate professional counseling skills.
Summary
LB1065 aims to authorize school districts to hire chaplains to perform the duties of a school counselor without needing a certificate issued by the Commissioner of Education. This legislative change is proposed in response to the increasing need for mental health support in schools, allowing districts the flexibility to employ individuals who may have spiritual or pastoral training to assist students.
Contention
The introduction of LB1065 has sparked discussions regarding the appropriateness of utilizing chaplains in place of certified counselors. Supporters argue that chaplains can provide additional support and guidance, particularly in environments where students may be more comfortable discussing issues of a spiritual or personal nature. In contrast, critics express concern that hiring chaplains without the appropriate educational or training background may compromise the quality of emotional and psychological support that students receive, especially in critical situations requiring trained professionals.
Change provisions relating to the Alternative Certification for Quality Teachers Act and authorize the Commissioner of Education to issue alternative certificates to teach as prescribed
Require that school counselors spend a certain percentage of such counselor's time during normal school hours in the direct counseling of students as prescribed
Revised for 1st Substitute: Allowing schools and school districts to request extensions to state energy performance standard deadlines for K-12 school buildings.
Provide and change powers and duties for the State Department of Education, Commissioner of Education, State Board of Education, and the state school security director, provide grants to school districts for security-related infrastructure projects, and provide grants to educational service units and local public health departments to hire school psychologists and licensed mental health practitioners as prescribed
Change provisions relating to handguns and firearms in school environments, classification of school districts, excessive absenteeism and truancy, the enrollment option program, certain educational certificates, permits, and endorsements, certain tax levy and bonding authority of school districts, requirements for various school and education programs, and the Nebraska Career Scholarship Act, provide for grants relating to school mapping data, prohibit certain debt collection activities, and provide requirements for the use of certain maps for schools
Provide for powers and duties of county attorneys and deputy county attorneys to be performed by district attorneys and deputy district attorneys appointed by the Attorney General