Bill > HB286

This bill focuses on improving elementary school counseling services in Mississippi by mandating a phased approach to funding and deploying professional school counselors across the state. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the bill requires school districts to receive funding to employ at least one elementary professional school counselor, with additional counselors to be added annually until every elementary school has a state-funded counselor. If full funding is not available, the State Department of Education will prioritize allocating funds to the three lowest-accredited districts with the greatest counselor needs, as determined by metrics like crime rates, free lunch participation, and dropout rates. The bill establishes specific requirements for these counselors, including holding a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling, spending at least 80% of their time in direct student service, and providing comprehensive services such as academic counseling, career guidance, crisis intervention, and community referrals. Additionally, the bill authorizes the State Department of Education to employ a supervisor of professional school counselors to oversee both elementary and secondary counseling programs and ensures that districts can supplement state-funded counselor positions with local funds if desired.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0286.xml