Bill > SB915

This bill requires West Virginia public schools to provide at least one full-time professional school counselor for every 250-300 students in elementary and middle schools, and one counselor for every 400-450 students in high schools, ensuring that every school has at least one counselor. The bill defines a school counselor as a professional educator with a valid school counselor's certificate and outlines specific guidelines for their role and responsibilities. Counselors must spend at least 80% of their work time in direct counseling with students and are restricted from performing certain administrative tasks without a written agreement, such as administering routine tests, signing student excuses, or performing disciplinary actions. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, counselors will be required to participate in biennial training conferences covering career counseling, academic planning, personal and social counseling, and other critical areas. The bill also updates the state's foundation allowance for professional student support personnel to ensure funding aligns with the new counselor-to-student ratio requirements, with the funding mechanism taking effect in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This legislation aims to improve student support and mental health resources in West Virginia public schools by ensuring more comprehensive and dedicated counseling services.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=915&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill