Bill > S00376

This bill requires the New York State Commissioner of Education to submit an annual comprehensive report about school mental health professionals, specifically school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. The report must detail the number of full and part-time professionals in each school, the student-to-professional ratios, and whether these professionals are serving multiple schools. Following the report, the Commissioner must develop a proposal to increase the number of these professionals to meet nationally recommended standards, taking into account the specific needs of individual school districts and regions. The bill defines these professionals as licensed and certified personnel providing individual or group counseling assistance in elementary, middle, and high schools. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Commissioner to provide additional financial aid to school districts for employing these professionals, with the Commissioner setting annual cost allowances for such positions. The goal is to improve mental health support and counseling services for students by ensuring more adequate staffing of school-based mental health professionals.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S376