MS HB467

Allocates funds under the Adequate Education Program beginning in the 2018-2019 school year to employ at least one elementary professional school counselor per school district, with additional counselors funded each subsequent year until every elementary school has one state-funded counselor.

Prioritizes fund allocation to school districts accredited at the three lowest levels with the greatest documented need based on crime and violence incidence, free lunch participation, and dropout rates.

Requires professional school counselors to maintain a minimum counselor-to-student ratio of 1:500 (or one counselor per school building, whichever is greater) and spend at least 80% of work time providing direct counseling services to students.

Mandates that counselors hold a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling and provide comprehensive services including academic/personal counseling, crisis intervention, career guidance, and referrals to community agencies.

Authorizes the State Department of Education to employ a supervisor of professional school counselors and prohibits reduction of annual appropriations for elementary school counseling until every elementary school achieves the required counselor-to-student ratio.