Bill > HB3209

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for school counselors in West Virginia's public schools, focusing on their roles, responsibilities, and staffing requirements. Beginning August 1, 2025, each county must employ two school counselors for every 1,000 students, with recommended ratios of one counselor to 400-450 students in elementary and middle schools, and one counselor to 250-300 students in high schools. The bill defines school counselors as professional educators with valid certificates and mandates that they spend at least 80% of their work time in direct counseling with students, limiting administrative tasks to 20%. Counselors are prohibited from performing certain non-counseling duties without a written agreement, such as routine disciplinary actions, class coverage, and record-keeping. Additionally, the bill requires counselors to participate in biennial training conferences covering career counseling, academic planning, personal and social counseling, and other critical components. Starting in the 2024-25 school year, counselors will receive specialized training in areas like career awareness, academic motivation, personal responsibility, and conflict resolution, with specific training for middle and high school counselors about building trades and apprenticeship programs. The legislation emphasizes that while these requirements are mandatory, county boards are not prevented from exceeding these provisions, and the Legislature is not required to provide specific funding levels.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3209&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill