Bill > SB1189

This bill aims to improve access to school counseling services in Arizona. It sets a requirement for school districts and charter schools to have at least one school counselor for every 550 students enrolled, beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. For smaller schools with fewer than 550 students, the bill allows for either hiring a part-time counselor or entering into an agreement with other schools to share counselor services. The bill also establishes a School Counseling Plan Grant Fund to provide funding for schools, districts, and charter schools to implement comprehensive school counseling plans. These plans must include components such as partnerships with community resources, evaluation methods, and referral procedures. The bill appropriates significant funding to the grant program, starting at $19 million in 2022-2023 and increasing to $95 million by 2026-2027.