AZ SB1189

Requires school districts and charter schools to hire at least one school counselor for every 550 students beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, with exemptions for schools with fewer than 550 students that may hire part-time counselors or contract with other districts.

Establishes state board of education certification requirements for school counselors, effective June 30, 2023, based on national school counseling standards and professional guidelines.

Creates a school counseling plan grant fund administered by the Department of Education to help schools implement comprehensive counseling plans that include community referrals, parent involvement, and confidentiality policies.

Appropriates $19 million for fiscal year 2022-2023, increasing by $19 million annually through fiscal year 2026-2027, totaling $285 million over five years for the grant fund.

Authorizes the superintendent of public instruction to establish an advisory committee including school counselors, administrators, teachers, parents, and mental health professionals to develop grant selection criteria.