Workload heavy for school counselors

DAYTON–The workload and effectiveness of school counselors was explored during the Dayton School Board's February 1 work session.

Caitlin Patterson, K-12 School Counselor, and Kristie Korslund, Social Emotional Counselor for Prevention and Intervention, outlined their daily routines and the level of need in the school.

The Board discussed the workload of the counselors and documenting the effectiveness of the programs used. Patterson answered that she had to reduce her daily appointments to six from almost double that when she started in her position a few years ago despite the student need because the high number of daily appointments was not sustainable for her.

Korslund added that a district evaluation would need to be developed, and she pointed out that the Healthy Youth Survey given through the State every two years provides some insight. Board Chair Jeff McCowen asked whether they can see any improvement in the kids. Both answered they are focusing on building a trusting partnership with students.

Between the two counselors it was determined about 200 kids are seen by them each year. Elementary Principal Amy Cox said there are at least 10 kids each day that need to see Patterson for a spontaneous critical need such as a child dealing with anxiety.

Patterson explained that every morning she greets the students in the hall as they walk to their classes. Students are referred to her by either a teacher or a parent. She has six scheduled 36-minute appointments with students and sees others as needed throughout each day.

She will refer kids to Blue Mountain Counseling, make crisis calls and report to Child Protection Services and law enforcement when appropriate. If a student reveals they are being hurt or they are hurting someone else, she is mandated to report it.

She spends additional time in other related tasks including visiting classrooms for mental health activities and working at The Club two hours a week and with the Blue Mountain Action Council to arrange for food for kids in need on the weekends.

Korslund is an ESD 123 employee contracted with the Dayton School District who works with high school students, and younger students as needed. She is part of the Coalition for Youth and Families that has a community prevention and wellness initiative which funds much of the work that Korslund does with the students. She helps when kids use or abuse substances or have substance use and abuse in their homes, and makes referrals for outside care when appropriate. She offers prevention education to middle and high students using the program Project Success.

Korslund makes resources available or known to them when she educates about substance and other issues including mental health and suicide prevention. She hopes to implement the Sources of Strength program to be bring diversity into the school culture in teaching that everyone has their own strengths. "Sources of Strength was founded upon a vision to move upstream in the prevention cycle," the program's website states. "Increasing resiliency, connection, help seeking, belonging, protective factors, and healthy coping allows us to have a much more comprehensive approach to prevention. This is a model where wellness is the goal, and prevention is an outcome of that goal."

Cox clarified that the counselors provide a safe place for kids, and they do not discipline. Superintendent Rich Stewart added that they are looking at how they can fill the gaps for the students. One way they have is through implementing the program Character Strong for staff and students and using the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. The district is considering other needs and methods and will evaluate the programs and systems already in place.

Stewart led the reviews on multiple policies. Changes to a policy regarding instruction resulting from HB 1686 which allows a high school equivalency certificate and additional standardized tests for other pathways to graduation was made. The certificate is similar to a graduation certificate and Stewart said it offers a better option than a GED where they can walk with their class. Another policy that was examined allows partial credit when students are not meeting standards which will keep them moving their education moving forward while also focusing on stabilizing the student and changing their behavior.

The policy about use of a transitional bilingual program when there is a need was also examined along with a policy allowing mental health reasons to be an excused absence. Sexual harassment of students and child abuse and neglect by caregivers are other policies that were examined about procedures to follow when cases are reported, as well as another about foster kids when they are moved, allowing them to maintain education in a district they were successful in.

Cell phone and electronic use on school property and misuse of school-owned electronics policies were looked over.

Business Manager Jana Eaton demonstrated the new the program for posting board meeting documents. The agenda will be posted with any pertaining documents attached the Thursday or Friday before the Wednesday meetings the following weeks.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 15.